Performance Evaluation of Nano Graphite Inclusions in Cutting Fluids with Mql Technique in Turning of Aisi 1040 Steel

Liberation of heat and generation of friction associated with any machining operation ever pose a problem which not only reduce the tool life but also impair quality of the product. Cutting fluids have been the conventional choice to curtail friction and temperatures in machining because of its lubrication and cooling actions. However, considering health hazards posed by the conventional cutting fluids to health of the workers and ecology, the quest is towards identifying alternative strategies to the usual flood application. Selection and use of proper lubricant that can improve the overall cutting phenomena which is an important aspect in reducing the cutting forces and temperatures The present work studies the use of nano cutting fluids in MQL which is a minimal cutting fluid technique, for turning operation using HSS and cemented carbide tools. Development of nano materials by nanotechnology technique, dispersing them in the cutting fluid improve the effectiveness of the cutting fluid and hence nano graphite powder is selected of particle size 80 nm in varying proportions i.e. 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% by weight are mixed in water soluble oil and applied drop by drop. Experimentation is carried out at different flow rates like 5 ml/min 10 ml/min and 15 ml/min with nanoparticle suspended fluids along with dry machining, flood coolant machining under constant cutting conditions. Experimental results are very encouraging with much reduction in surface roughness, tool flank wear, temperatures and cutting forces is observed in fluids with nanoparticle inclusions. Different properties of the nanofluids are estimated through a series of standard tests.