A Brief Experimental Investigation on Wearing of CNT Reinforced Alumina Insert

The aim of this work is to evaluate the performance of a newly developed multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced alumina inserts. Machining of 'difficult to machine' materials requires harder cutting tool. So, for machining hardened materials, reinforced ceramic inserts with enhanced mechanical properties like fracture toughness and hardness are used. In this research work, multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced alumina nanocomposite is used as a cutting tool that has Vicker's hardness value of 20GPa and fracture toughness of 6.43 MPa m^1/2. Machining of AISI 4340 steel rod is done under dry environment. Progress of tool wear at two cutting conditions is evaluated. Tool life of the newly developed insert may be improved by employing suitable machining environment, proper tool geometry and parameters during production of the MWCNT reinforced alumina insert.