Surface Integrity Characterization of Hardened AISI 4340 Steel in Grinding Process with Biodegradable Formulations of Cutting Fluids

Surface integrity has significant effect on service performance of a component. The surface integrity of workpieces submitted to grinding process depends on the conditions of cooling produced by cutting fluids, which are used to avoid microstructural damage in the process. However, cutting fluids are harmful to the environment and human health, and appear as a crucial element to the optimization of the manufacturing process. In this scenario, biodegradable cutting fluids, such as formulations based on vegetable oils, appear as promising possibility to a cleaner production in grinding process. This study analyzed the surface integrity of AISI 4340 steel, quenched and tempered, in the external cylindrical plunge grinding process with the use of six different formulations of biodegradable cutting fluids (with oils of soybeans, corn, and mineral oil, pure and with additives). The performance of the application of cutting fluids was evaluated by characterizing the microstructure by Scanning Electron Microscopy - SEM and microhardness and roughness measurements. The results showed that the surface integrity of the components was not significantly damaged, which proves the efficiency of biodegradable cutting fluids and feasibility of its use in grinding process.