The effect of micro-pits texture on the coefficient of friction between wood and cemented carbide under different wood moisture content
Friction is an important factor during cutting of wood. Micro-texture has been proven to be an effective measure for the improvement of material friction performance. This paper investigates the effect of the cemented carbide surface micro-pits texture on the performance of wood cutting tools with the purpose to reduce the coefficient of friction on knife/workpiece contact zone. Birch (Betula spp.) and pine (Pinus sylvestris) were selected as the research object, the impacts of wood moisture content and the load used on the friction coefficient of different micropits structures were assessed and compared. We found that at a diameter of the micro-texture of 60 μm, the coefficient of friction can be effectively reduced at different wood moisture contents. The average friction coefficient between cemented carbide and wood surface increased with increasing moisture content below fiber saturation point (FSP). But the increase in free water quantity can lead to a more considerable decrease in the friction coefficient. At a higher working load, the value of the average coefficient of friction between the surfaces increases.