Natural ingredients based environmental friendly metalworking fluid with superior lubricity

Abstract Mineral oil-based metalworking fluids (MWFs) are hazardous for human and environmental health. This highlights the need for the development of environmental-friendly MWF (oil-in-water emulsion). The solution can be explored through the use of natural products as ingredients to formulate the environmental-friendly MWF. The natural products used in present MWF formulation include soybean oil, water, and gum acacia. The concentration of gum acacia (natural emulsifier) is optimized through surface/interfacial energetics using Goniometer. The frictional responses are recorded using Four-ball-tester (FBT). Tribological response of the formulated metalworking fluid (FF) is benchmarked with that of commercial fluid (CF). The results indicate that the FF is much better than CF under severe loading conditions. The improved frictional characteristics for FF are attributed to pressure and temperature assisted activation of natural emulsifier molecules. This activation leads to chemisorption of emulsifier molecules to the tribological contact, aiding the tribology.