Tribometric evaluation of rubber seed oil lubricant in upset forging

Abstract

Tribometric evaluation of rubber (Hevea brasiliences) seed oil lubricant in upset forging was carried out. Upset forging was simulated with ring compression tests using Plasticine as model material and the rubber and reference oil samples as lubricant. The oils were applied to various die/ring surface combinations as they were compressed in the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) machine. Results show that friction factors for rubber seed oil ranging from μ=0.20 to μ = 0.577 compare favorably with the values for reference mineral base oil (0.29-0.42). Friction factors obtained from ring compression tests for the rubber seed oil are within the range of natural oil lubricants (groundnut oil; 0.072-0.5, palm oil;. 0.3, palm kernel oil; 0.084 and sheanut oil; 0.092). Rubber seed oil can therefore be used as a substitute for mineral base oils that are currently in use as lubricants in upset forging. Industrial organizations will derive immense benefit from this source of environment friendly, biodegradable and low toxicity oil lubricant.