Chapter Eight - Machinability study of Inconel 825 superalloy under nanofluid MQL: Application of sunflower oil as a base cutting fluid with MWCNTs and nano-Al2O3 as additives

Abstract

In recent times, application of nanocutting fluid has gained much importance over traditional dry machining as well as wet cooling (flood and minimum quantity lubrication [MQL]). Inclusion of nanosized particles/tubes within base cutting fluid enhances cooling, lubrication, and heat transfer coefficient of the resultant fluid. In this context, the present study investigates machining performance of “difficult-to-cut” aerospace superalloy Inconel 825 under a nanofluid MQL (NFMQL) environment. Two types of nanofluids are prepared by dispersing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nano-Al2O3 powder separately within sunflower oil (base fluid). Machining performance is evaluated in purview of a cutting force, approximate tool-tip temperature, and progression depth of flank wear. Various modes and mechanisms of tool wear along with chip morphology are studied in detail. It was found that CNT-based NFMQL outperforms alumina-based NFMQL.