The thermal behaviour of oil contaminated residues from metal cutting is st
udied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analy
sis (DTA). Reaction energy, peak shift and formal activation energy were de
termined. It was found that the combustion of oil is increased because of t
ribomechanical activation at the metal surface. To avoid uncontrolled ignit
ions during transport or storage of these sludges, guidelines for their sav
e handling:were established. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese
rved.