Performance Evaluation of Minimum Quantity Lubrication With Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets in Turning Titanium Alloy

This paper evaluates the performances of dry, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and MQL with nanofluid in turning the most common titanium (Ti) alloy, Ti-6Al-4V, in a solution treated and aged (STA) microstructure. In particular, the nanofluid evaluated here is vegetable oil (rapeseed) mixed with small concentrations of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP). The focus of this paper is on turning process because it poses a challenging condition to apply oil droplets directly onto the tribological surfaces of a cutting tool due to the continuous engagement of tool and work material. A series of turning experiments was conducted with uncoated carbide inserts while measuring the cutting forces with the dynamometer under various conditions to determine its effectiveness and optimal MQL condition in turning. The worn inserts are retrieved to measure flank and crater wear using confocal microscopy. This preliminary experimental result shows that the use of MQL and nanofluid is effective in improving the machinability of Ti alloys in turning processes.