An attempt towards green machining of Ni-based Hastelloy C4 alloy: Effect of vegetable oils and their combination with TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles on outputs

Abstract

The importance of nickel-based superalloys has increased day by day due to their use in special applications. However, the difficulties in the machinability of these alloys bring some concerns about parts quality and efficiency. Although researchers have tried ways (such as the use of high-performance cutting fluids) to overcome these challenges, their sustainability is still controversial. Therefore, this experimental research aims to contribute to the sustainable machining of nickel-based superalloys. In this regard, the present study investigates the effectiveness of vegetable-based fluids (sunflower, olive, hazelnut, and corn oils) and nanofluids (SiO2 + sunflower oil, SiO2 + olive oil, SiO2 + hazelnut oil, SiO2 + corn oil, TiO2 + sunflower oil, TiO2 + olive oil, TiO2 + hazelnut oil, and TiO2 + corn oil) during the machining of Ni-based Hastelloy C4 alloy. The study was carried out in three stages. In the first stage, all cutting fluids' pH and thermal conductivity values were measured. In the second stage, machinability tests were conducted under the prepared cutting fluids. Later, friction-wear tests of the cutting fluids that offered the best performance in the previous stage were done. As a result, the pH change was significantly increased with the addition of nanoparticles (TiO2 and SiO2) to corn oil. TiO2 nanoparticles allowed further improvement of thermal conductivity. Compared to dry machining, improvements of 58.57%, 34.88%, 53.18%, and 36.1% in surface roughness, cutting temperature, tool wear, and power consumption were achieved with corn oil+TiO2 nanofluid, respectively. It was determined that adhesion, BUE, BUL, and chipping were dominant damage types. Also, an adhesive is the dominant wear mechanism.