Structure and Properties of New Antifriction Composites Based on Tool Steel Grinding Waste

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of manufacturing technology on the structure, mechanical, and tribological properties of new antifriction composite materials based on R6M5 high-speed tool steel grinding waste. The characteristics of the new composite’s structure formation and its impact on properties after use of the established technological modes, including grinding waste regeneration, were illustrated. It was demonstrated that such technology is capable of ensuring microheterogeneous structure. The material’s structure consists of the metal matrix based on R6M5 high-speed tool steel waste and uniformly distributed CaF2 solid lubricant in the steel matrix. As compared to known iron-based composites, this structure promotes a high degree of mechanical and tribological properties. During tribological tests, anti-seize thin films of 15–20 μm are formed on the contacting surfaces. These constantly renewable films contribute to the high antifriction properties of the composite under the studied friction conditions and provide a self-lubricating effect. Such films fully cover both the material’s surface and the counterface. The formation of antifriction films results in the self-lubrication mode. The findings of the study open up the possibility of predicting the friction behavior of a composite at high temperatures by selecting the initial metal grinding waste to ensure the appropriate level of properties. The extensive use of various alloy steel-based industrial grinding waste in the re-production cycle would significantly contribute to resolving the global environmental problem of protecting the environment from pollution.

New Antifriction Composites for Printing Machines Based on Tool Steel Grinding Waste

“…In this regard, we paid special attention to the fact that in modern mechanical engineering, large reserves of raw materials are available that are generally not used to manufacture of parts for various purposes [19][20][21].…”

“…This type of waste is generated daily from the grinding operations of dies, cutting tools, ball bearings, engine pistons, and other structural parts. The waste is taken to dumps or landfills and not used in the production cycle because of abrasive contamination from grinding wheels [19][20][21].…”

“…The presence of these alloying elements in grinding waste in various quantities and combinations make them attractive for further use in order to obtain quality high-alloy antifriction composites and parts [19][20][21].…”

“…The authors of [19][20][21] developed a waste recovery technology and obtained the first positive results in the creation of new high-temperature antifriction composites based on regenerated grinding waste steels ShKh15SG, R6M5, and 7HG2VMF (analogue of 52100 ball bearing steel, M2 high-speed steel, and AM6F2 tool steel, repsectively; AISI Standard, USA).…”

“…Composites based on the waste powders of these steels with the addition of CaF 2 solid lubricant were able to work at elevated temperatures and withstand elevated loads in an oxidizing environment (in air) [19][20][21].…”