Abstract
In this paper, two nanofluids suitable for minimum quantity cooling and lubrication (MQCL) assisted turning of Ti6Al4V ELI are reported after a comprehensive study of 18 nanofluids. The nanofluids were prepared by adding three different nanoparticles (Al2O3, MoS2, and rutile-TiO2) to vegetable oils (canola and extra virgin olive oils) respectively, at three different concentrations (0.5, 2, and 4% vol). The use of canola nanofluid containing 0.5 vol% Al2O3 provided a superior surface finish; on the other hand, canola nanofluid enriched with 0.5 vol % MoS2 was found to be conducive to lowering T and increasing rc. Moreover, the nanofluids rendered an auspicious tool wear behavior and impeded attrition wear. Traces of tribofilm formation and the effect of nano-polishing were identified after examining the finished surface using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. This analysis also reports on the kinematic and dynamic viscosity, contact angle, contact area and thermal conductivity of the nanofluids, the machined surface morphology, and the improvements concerning surface defects provided by the engineered nanofluids. Finally, the results were compared with those found for dry machining and mineral oil based MQCL turning.
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•Two engineered nanofluids for minimum quantity cooling and lubrication (MQCL) assisted turning of Ti6Al4V ELI are reported.•Three nanoparticles (Al2O3, MoS2, and rutile-TiO2), two vegetable oils and three volumetric concentrations are investigated.•Average surface roughness, chip-tool interface temperature, and chip-thickness ratio were measured at three cutting speeds (55, 80, and 105 m/min).•The lubrication performance of the nanofluids was compared with dry machining and mineral oil based MQCL turning.•Surface and chip morphology and tool wear were investigated using SEM, 3D surface profile and EDS.