Studies on Effect of HLB Values of Surfactant on Emulsion Stability and Performance of Castor Oil Based Soluble Cutting Fluids

Castor oil based soluble cutting fluids were prepared using ethoxylated glycol based emulsifier having different hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) viz., 9, 13 and 16. The thermal properties of prepared cutting fluids were evaluated using Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The storage stability of cutting fluids were assessed by measuring the pH and viscosity as a function of storage duration. Emulsifying ability of prepared soluble cutting fluids were evaluated by diluting with different weight percentage of water. 95: 5 (water: cutting fluid) ratio appears to have better emulsion stability as confirmed by UV visible spectrometer. Emulsions were prepared using cutting fluids having different HLB value diluted with 95:5 (water: cutting fluid) ratio. The rheological behavior of prepared emulsions indicated that, the emulsions were able to maintain the Newtonian behavior at different temperature of study viz., 60, 80 and 1000C . The emulsion prepared using the cutting fluid containing emulsifier with a HLB value of 9 showed better corrosion resistance. The tribological properties of prepared emulsions were measured using oscillating-friction wear measuring device (SRV) and Reichert tester. The effect of emulsion on surface finish and surface roughness of the tool was determined by performing the machining experiments. SRV results showed the lowest coefficient of friction for the emulsion prepared using the cutting fluid containing emulsifier with HLB value of 16.