Application of Nanofluids in Minimum Quantity Lubrication Grinding

Abstract

This research investigated the wheel wear and tribological characteristics in wet, dry, and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) grinding of cast iron. Water-based Al2O3 and diamond nanofluids were applied in the MQL grinding process and the grinding results were compared with those of pure water. During the nanofluid MQL grinding, a dense and hard slurry layer was formed on the wheel surface and could benefit the grinding performance. Experimental results showed that G-ratio, defined as the volume of material removed per unit volume of grinding wheel wear, could be improved with high-concentration nanofluids. Nanofluids showed the benefits of reducing grinding forces, improving surface roughness, and preventing workpiece burning. Compared to dry grinding, MQL grinding could significantly reduce the grinding temperature.