Characterization of low-damage cutting of alfalfa stalks by self-sharpening cutters made of gradient materials

Abstract

The use of self-sharpening cutters can increase crop survival and regrowth by reducing the extent of stem damage incurred during the mowing stage and reducing the healing time at the harvest site. In this study, a self-sharpening cutter was prepared using a two-stage rare earth catalytic carbon–nitrogen–boron co-infiltration process, and the self-sharpening and wear-resistant properties of the cutter were verified by using metallographic organization testing, hardness testing, friction and wear performance testing, and the homemade tool wear test bench, and the low-damage cutting characteristics of the cutter were examined through field tests on alfalfa. The results show that the thickness of the penetration layer on the back face of a self-sharpening cutter made of gradient material is about 800 μm, with a maximum hardness of 1,800 HV. The coefficient of friction of the gradient material self-sharpening cutter is 67% lower than that of the commercially available 65Mn cutter. Gradient material self-sharpening cutter wear resistance is 2.15 times more than that of commercially available 65Mn cutter. The gradient material self-sharpening cutter reduces cutting damage by 11.42% compared to the commercially available 65Mn cutter. The application and promotion of self-sharpening cutting blades with gradient materials reduce alfalfa cutting damage, thereby improving reproductive yield.