Processing of hardened steel by MQL technique using nano cutting fluids

ABSTRACT

This article discussed the impact of various nanofluids on the machinability aspects during hard turning of AISI 4340 alloy steel. The experiment was performed using minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) technique. The effect of various fluid properties like thermal conductivity, viscosity, surface tension and contact angle were analyzed for all nanofluids. Various samples of nanofluids were prepared by dispersing nanoparticles of ZnO, CuO, Fe₂O₃, and Al₂O₃ in deionized water. The impacts of nanofluids on various machinability responses were measured and analyzed. Out of the four nanofluids used, CuO nanofluid exhibited superior behaviors followed by ZnO nanofluids while the influence of Al₂O₃ has insignificant.

KEYWORDS:

• nanofluids
• turning
• roughness
• characteristics
• microhardness
• wear

Highlights

• Four engineered nanofluids have been synthesized and subsequently used for minimum quantity cooling and lubrication (MQCL) assisted hard turning operation of AISI 4340 alloy steel.

• The lubrication performance of the nanofluids was compared with dry machining and mineral oil based MQL turning operations.

• Least residual stress, flank wear, and microhardness were observed for copper oxide nanofluid.

• In selected experimental domain, copper oxide nanofluid was found be to better in all aspects for this particular application.