Cutting performance and wear mechanisms of the graphene-reinforced Al2O3-WC-TiC composite ceramic tool in turning hardened 40Cr steel

The Al 2 O 3 -WC-TiC-graphene composite ceramic tool (AWTG0.5) fabricated by two-step hot pressing was used to continuously turn the hardened 40Cr steel at different cutting speeds, and its cutting performance and wear mechanisms were compared with the homemade graphene-free AWTG0 ceramic tool and the commercial ceramic tools SG4 and LT55. The cutting performance of the AWTG0.5 tool was significantly better than that of the AWTG0, SG4 and LT55 tools. The contributions of graphene to the mechanical properties, lubricating properties and thermal conductivity of the AWTG0.5 tool were responsible for its higher cutting performance. The main wear mechanisms of the AWTG0.5 tool were adhesive wear and abrasive wear. In addition, it was also found that the anti-friction and wear resistance performances of the AWTG0.5 tool were superior to those of the other three tools. Its good anti-friction and wear resistance performances could be attributed to the formation of a self-lubricating layer induced by graphene pull-out.