Tribological Aspects of Nano-Particle Fluid Based Cooling and Lubrication in Milling Process

The introduction of different additives into the cooling and lubrication systems in the metal cutting process, contributed to improving the machining process sustainability. Different types of additives can help to reduce friction, reduce wear of contact surfaces, improve heat dissipation from the cutting zone, etc. With the development of nanotechnology, great focus has been placed on the investigation and using of nano-particles, nano-additives and nanofluids in industry. In this paper, the effects of using the nano-particle based cooling and lubrication fluid are investigated. There are performed comparison effects of standard cooling and lubrication fluids versus nanofluids based cooling and lubrication on cutting process performance. Molybdenum disulphide particles are used as nano-particles, which dispersed in a standard cooling and lubrication fluid. As workpiece was used alloyed tool steel. Milling process performance indicators was analysed based on Taguchi experimental plan, for different cooling and lubrication condition and process parameters. Cutting forces component in three perpendicular axes, and machined surface parameters were measured. Experimental analysis has shown that the use of nano-particles, which mixed in a standard cooling and lubrication fluid, significantly contributes to the reduction of cutting forces, friction coefficients, more efficient cutting and generation of machined surfaces.