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Graphene-enhanced environmentally-benign cutting fluids for high-performance micro-machining applications
Bryan Chu1, Eklavya Singh, Nikhil Koratkar
1Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|July 26, 2013
Summary
Environmentally benign canola-based cutting oil with graphene platelets (GPL) improves micro-machining. Optimized GPL loading enhances cooling and lubrication, reducing surface roughness for better performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Tribology
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable and high-performance lubricants in micro-machining.
- Limitations of conventional cutting fluids regarding environmental impact and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel canola-based cutting oil fortified with graphene platelets (GPL) for micro-machining.
- To investigate the impact of varying GPL concentrations on the tribological and thermal properties of the cutting fluid.
- To assess the performance enhancement in micro-turning operations.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of canola oil-based cutting fluids with 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% weight concentrations of carboxyl-functionalized graphene platelets (GPL).
- Characterization of fluid properties: kinematic viscosity, thermal conductivity, and coefficient of friction.
- Performance evaluation through micro-turning tests, measuring cutting temperature, cutting force, and surface roughness.
Main Results:
- All tested GPL loadings enhanced the cooling and lubricating properties of the canola oil.
- Cooling performance improved with increasing GPL concentration.
- Optimal lubrication performance was observed around 0.10% GPL loading.
- GPL addition reduced surface roughness in micro-machined parts, though this benefit diminished at higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Graphene platelet-enhanced canola oil offers a promising environmentally benign alternative for high-performance micro-machining.
- The study highlights an optimal GPL concentration for balancing lubrication and surface finish improvements.
- Further research can explore different functionalizations and concentrations for tailored applications.
