Tribological properties of diamond films for high-speed drawing Al alloy wires using water-based emulsions

Tribological tests are conducted on diamond films under different lubrications, and influences of film type, lubrication, test parameters on coefficient of friction (COF) and film wear (Id) are studied. Diamond films perform better than WC-Co under water-based emulsion lubrication, and the boron doped micro-crystalline and nano-crystalline composite diamond (BDMC-NCCD) film shows the best overall behavior. Considering the performance and economy, the water content in the emulsion is optimized as about 80 vol%. Under this drawing condition, the quality of the production is similar to that drawn by the uncoated dies under the oil lubrication, however, the coated dies present much prolonged lifetime and lower temperature. Most importantly, the use of the water-based lubrication is much more environmentally friendly.