Investigation on the cutting performance of micro-textured YG8 cemented carbide tools filled with [BMIM]PF6/5CB@PUF dual-core microcapsules

To enhance the dry cutting performance of YG8 cemented carbide tools, square-array pit-type micro-textures were fabricated on the tool rake face, and [BMIM]PF₆/5CB@PUF dual-core microcapsules were embedded into the micro-textures using a UV-curing filling method. This study used 300M steel as the workpiece material and employed an orthogonal experimental design to examine the effects of micro-texture parameters and microcapsule characteristics on the dry cutting performance of YG8 cemented carbide tools. The range analysis results indicate that the texture–edge distance is the dominant influencing factor, followed by microcapsule type, microcapsule content, and texture density. The best-performing cutting condition within the investigated experimental range was obtained with a texture–edge distance of 100 μm, a texture density of 20%, a microcapsule content of 20 wt.%, and a microcapsule type of [BMIM]PF₆/5CB@PUF. Compared with the untreated tool, the textured tool filled with microcapsules increased the cutting length by 12.9%, while reducing the cutting force, cutting temperature, and surface roughness by 38.35%, 29.65%, and 32.36%, respectively. EDS and XPS analyses reveal that the enhanced performance stems from the rupture of dual-core microcapsules during cutting. The subsequent continuous release of lubricants generates a stable film on the rake face, which minimizes direct tool-chip contact and friction. This improvement provides a novel strategy for achieving sustainable lubrication and enhanced efficiency in dry cutting operations.