Extending the Life of Polymer Quenchants: Cause and Effect

This paper will review a short history of biostable technology in metalworking fluids and more specifically the introduction of biostable polymer (aqueous) quenchants for heat treatment applications.  The advantages of a biostable polymer quenchant versus a traditional polymer quenchant in-use regarding microbiological issues, pH, and heat extraction capabilities will also be reviewed.

Polymer (aqueous) quenchants have been utilized for many years in the heat treatment process of both ferrous and non-ferrous materials.  Although the quenching process takes only a few seconds of the total production time for a component, care and maintenance of the proper quenchant is crucial to avoiding inadequate metallurgical properties, distortion or scrapping of costly machined components.  It is important to establish methods and mechanisms to measure and control polymer concentration; identify contaminants from solids, pre-heat treatment process fluids, microorganisms, or dissolved materials (all of which can reduce quenchant life); and determine any possible degradation in service.  Properly selected polymer quenchants and a properly operating quenchant system can combine to deliver reliable and consistent service, as well as performance benefits.