Application of Nanofluids in Minimum Quantity Lubrication Grinding

This research project 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 MQL grinding process and the results were compared with those of pure water. During the MQL grinding using nanofluids, a dense and hard slurry layer was formed on the wheel surface and could benefit the grinding performance. Experimental results showed that G-ratio, volume of wear of the grinding wheel vs. the volume of material removed, could be improved with high concentration nanofluids. Nanofluids showed the benefits to reduce grinding forces, improve surface roughness, and avoid workpiece burning. Compared to dry grinding, MQL grinding could significantly reduce the grinding temperature.