ABSTRACT
In a sustainable machining process, the combination of nanofluid with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) delivered significant outcomes by improving the machining performance. Also, nanofluid with an MQL facilitates the eco-friendly machining environment on a shop floor. The main objective of the present investigation is to assess the effect of a metal oxide (silicon dioxide, SiO2) nanofluid in bearing steel turning by selecting the response variables surface roughness and machining zone temperature. An L9 orthogonal array was utilized to perform the investigation. The cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut were selected as turning input variables. The two cooling environments—vegetable oil plus MQL and SiO2 nanofluid plus MQL—are considered for experimentation. For the characterization of SiO2 nanoparticles, scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis were performed. The grey relational analysis method was performed to determine the optimum machining condition. The investigation concluded that SiO2 nanofluid with MQL observed as the better influencing cooling environment compared to the vegetable oil. The response variables surface roughness and machining zone temperature significantly decrease under SiO2 nanofluid MQL cooling environment.
