THE USE OF BIODEGRADABLE CUTTING FLUID FOR THIN AND HARD a-C:H AND TiAlN COATINGS

Abstract

This paper presents results of tribological tests performed under lubricated friction conditions using a T-01M analyser. The lubricant was biodegradable cutting fluid containing a special-purpose additive – zinc aspartate. The discs for the ball-on-disc configuration were made of HS6-5-2C steel. The study involved testing coated and uncoated steel specimens. The a-C:H and TiAlN coatings were produced using physical vapour deposition (PVD). The structure of the coatings was analysed before and after the tribological tests with a JSM-7100F scanning electron microscope. The coating hardness was measured using a CSM Instruments nano-hardness tester (NHT). The coating surface texture of the coated and uncoated discs was determined by means of a Talysurf CCI Lite profilometer. The thin boundary films that formed in the friction area prevented the surfaces from coming into direct contact. The films improved the motion resistance and provided anticorrosive protection during the tests. The biodegradable cutting fluid used in the study had no negative effect on the environment.