Technological evaluation of a novel glycerol based biocide-free metalworking fluid

This paper describes a technological evaluation of a novel biocide-free metalworking fluid (MWF) on the basis of glycerol/water in comparison to conventional mineral oil based MWFs. For the technological evaluation machining experiments on a grinding machine were performed. A cubic boron nitride (CBN) and an aluminium oxide (Al2O3) grinding wheel were tested in an inner cylindrical grinding process. The tests were performed under the employment of the novel glycerol fluid, a mineral oil based emulsion and a grinding oil. The machining tests indicated comparable and partially better results of the glycerol fluid in comparison to the conventional mineral oil based fluids with regard to the measured machining forces, the tool wear and the work piece surface roughness. From the chemical point of view it was ensured by extensive testing that no adverse reaction- or decomposition products are released from the glycerol-based MWF during practical operation. Furthermore, corrosion tests were done. The glycerol fluid was additive enhanced in order to guarantee a full corrosion protection for work pieces and machine.