Enhancing the wear resistance of a cemented carbide/titanium alloy under magnetofluid lubrication via the magnetic response

Pulsed magnetic field treatment (MT) was applied to cemented carbide (WC–12Co) for enhancing its wear resistance in contact titanium alloy (TC4). Based on the magnetic response after MT, ferromagnetic Ni and Fe3O4 nanoparticles and nonferromagnetic Cu were selected as additives to prepare lubricating fluids. The results reveal that the wear resistance of the cemented carbide/titanium alloy contact under cutting fluid lubrication was improved by MT. Significantly, the wear resistance was further enhanced by coupling of MT and Fe3O4 magnetofluid. The workpiece wear volume of coupling decreased by 33.9%, and the ball wear scar decreased by 36.4% compared with that of the untreated ball in cutting fluid lubricant. The enhanced wear resistance comes from the magnetic response of Fe3O4 to the treated magnetic ball (remanence) and improved hardness. The adsorption of Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto the treated magnetic ball reduces the adhesion of TC4 and forms a titanium alloy film containing Fe3O4 nanoparticles. In addition, increased hardness due to magnetostriction and magnetic domain enlargement during pulsed magnetization also contributes to the enhanced wear resistance.