Effect of nano-TiO2 rolling liquid on the cold rolling properties of silicon steel

Non-oriented silicon steel strips were rolled on a four-high cold rolling mill lubricated by a traditional cold rolling liquid and a nano-TiO2 cold rolling liquid, with emphasis on studying the rolling lubrication performance of both the liquids and their effect on the surface quality and corrosion resisting property of the silicon steel strips. The surface micrograph and composition of the silicon steel strips after being rolled with both the liquids were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The anti-wear and friction-reducing mechanism of TiO2 nanoparticles in cold rolling was given on the basis of experimental results. The nano-TiO2 cold rolling liquid has excellent lubricant performance and can improve the surface quality of the silicon steel strips remarkably when rolled with heavy load. Meanwhile, TiO2 nanoparticles are compressed into the silicon steel matrix by high load and a sliding system is formed to bear the load, leading to a higher wear resistance of the lubricant film.