Preparation and characterization of bio-based nano cutting fluids for tribological applications

The dispersion, evaluation, and exploration of behavioral science throughout its application has necessitated the characterization of metal working fluids nowadays. Alternative lubricants particularly vegetable oil-based lubes are majorly researched by the tribologists which has led to the concept of developing eco-friendly lubricants. Nano additive based veg-oil cutting fluids are outperforming most of the conventionally available metal working fluids in major aspects like friction modification, surface roughness minimization, cutting force reduction and tool wear aspects. This study focuses on evaluating the characters of bio-based (veg-oil; coconut oil-oleic acid) nano fluids with respect to two families of nano particles. Metal-oxide based and carbon-based are the two families which are usually considered. A novel concept of tri-hybridizing nano particles has been explored and the results has been evaluated and presented in a detailed manner. The size and shape morphology were studied using scanning electron microscope images. The rheological and physio-chemical properties of the prepared nano fluids like density, viscosity, thermal conductivity was also studied and presented. The behavioral analysis was performed to explore its fluidic characteristics in which contact angle, zeta potential analysis, flash point and film thickness analysis was done and presented. In addition, surface morphology studies were performed to evaluate the tribological performance of the nano fluids in end milling of AA7075. The results obtained has proved that both metal-oxide and carbonaceous nano cutting fluids are capable for tribological applications and can be considered as a proven alternative for the conventional lubricants. Around 20% improvement has been found in the cutting parameters and surface roughness.