SUMMARY

A mechanochemical surface modification is proposed to improve cutting tools’ performance.Shot peening with a mixture of Al2O3 and Cu2S particles, with the former serving as the mechanical agent that enhances the chemical reactivity of the surface through plastic deformation and the latter serving as a chemical precursor, will be utilized to form a lubricious layer on the cutting tool surfaces. A deterministic model coupled with finite element, transient thermal, and reaction rate simulation is developed to estimate the reaction kinetics of mechano-chemical reaction between Cu2S and Fe thus provide theoretical support of the proposed modification technique. Effects of the mechanochemical modification on cutting performance and wear resistance of high-speed steel tools and tungsten carbide inserts are studied.