Tribofilm Formation As a Result of Complex Interaction at the Tool/Chip Interface during Cutting

Tribofilms are dynamic structures that form at the interface during frictional sliding. These films play a significant role in friction control, particularly under heavy loaded/high temperature conditions, such as those found at the cutting tool/chip interface. The thermodynamic aspects of tribofilm formation are discussed here. Thermodynamic analysis of entropy production during friction shows that there are two types of tribofilms that affect the wear behavior of a cutting tool: (1) tribofilms forming as a result of the surface modification of the cutting tools with further tribo-oxidation; and (2) tribofilms that form as a result of material transfer from the contacting frictional body (the workpiece) during the tool/chip interaction. Experimental examples are presented, outlining the beneficial role of both types of tribofilms.