Performance Evaluation of MQL Parameters Using Al2O3 and MoS2 Nanofluids in Hard Turning 90CrSi Steel

Hard machining has gained much attention to be an alternative solution for many traditional finish grinding operations due to high productivity, ease to adapt to complex part contours, the elimination of cutting fluids, good surface quality, and the reduction of machine tool investment. However, the enormous amount of heat generated from the cutting zone always requires the high-grade inserts and limits the cutting conditions. The MQL technique with nanofluids assisted for hard machining helps to improve the cutting performance while ensuring environmentally friendly characteristics. This paper focuses on the development of MQL technique by adding Al2O3 and MoS2 nanoparticles to the base fluids (soybean oil and water-based emulsion) for the hard turning of 90CrSi steel (60 divided by 62 HRC). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to evaluate the performance of MQL parameters in terms of cutting forces and surface roughness. The study reveals that a better performance of coated carbide inserts is observed by using MQL with Al2O3 and MoS2 nanofluids. In addition, the fluid type, nanoparticles and nanoparticle concentration have a strong effect on cutting performance. The interaction influence among the investigated variables is also studied in order to provide the technical guides for further studies using Al2O3 and MoS2 nanofluids.