Experimental investigation of graphene oxide-based nano cutting fluid in drilling of aluminum matrix composite reinforced with SiC particles under nano-MQL conditions

Introduction. Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) is effectively employed as suitable cooling strategy. However, compared to flood cooling, which is widely used in the industry, MQL is characterized by a lower heat dissipation capacity. While thermal shock is reported in flood cooling, the use of MQL ensures a smoother chip removal and reduces the risk of thermal stress. Research methods. Within the scope of this study, experimental investigations were carried out on drilling of aluminum matrix composite (MMC) reinforced with silicon carbide (Al-SiC MMC) using AlCrN PVD-coated drills (drill diameter 8 mm). MMC samples were manufactured with varying volume fractions of SiC (10–30%). The aim of the experiments was to study the influence of non-edible vegetable oil with the addition of graphene oxide (used as a cutting fluid) on the drilling process of AlSiC MMC. The cutting speed (30–150 m/min), feed rate (0.05–0.25 mm/rev), volume fraction of SiC (10–30%), and MQL flow rate (60–180 ml/h) were selected as input process parameters. Their response parameters were cutting force, torque, surface roughness, hole circularity, and burr height during high-speed drilling of MMC. The undi (Calophyllum inophyllum) oil parameters were determined in accordance with the ASTM 6751 standard. The surface morphology and elemental analysis of graphene oxide were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The purpose of the work. The use of nano-cutting fluid in combination with MQL is one of the promising approaches for further improving the characteristics of MQL, especially when drilling difficult-to-machine materials. The introduction of nanomaterials into MQL contributes to reducing friction at the tool-chip interface, which leads to a decrease in cutting temperature. These methods facilitate the machining of lightweight and difficult-to-machine materials, in particular, aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMCs), which are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Results and Discussion. It was found that the use of graphene oxide nanoparticles dispersed in non-edible undi (Calophyllum inophyllum) oil represents a promising alternative to traditional cutting fluids in drilling MMC. The aim of the study was to develop semi-empirical models for predicting surface roughness and temperature for various compositions of MMC. Increased cutting efficiency is achieved by precisely determining the temperature in the machining zone. However, the practical determination of the cutting temperature in each specific case involves significant labor and financial costs. It was additionally found that graphene oxide nanoparticles mixed with non-edible undi (Calophyllum inophyllum) oil represent an effective alternative to traditional cutting fluids in drilling MMCs. The present work develops a comprehensive empirical formula for predicting the theoretical temperature and surface roughness. It was found that the majority of the power input into the machining process is transformed into thermal energy.