Influence of the graphene nanoplatelets addition to corn oil on surface quality and machining performance

Cooling using cutting fluid in the CNC machining process of AISI 1045 steel is crucial for producing products with good surface quality. However, the long-term use of cutting fluid can have negative impacts on both the environment and human health. This study aims to analyse the characterisation and machining performance of a corn oil-based cutting fluid containing graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) using the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) method. It demonstrates the potential of corn oil-based cutting fluids containing GNPs to enhance surface quality (surface roughness) and machining performance (tool morphology and chip morphology). Machining was performed at a cutting speed of 110 m/min, a depth of 1.5 mm and a feed rate of 0.12 mm/rpm. MQL was applied with a spray angle of 45°, distance of 20 mm, pressure of 4 bar and nozzle diameter of 2 mm. Several conditions were used in the study, including dry, MQL with corn oil, and MQL with corn oil and added GNPs (0.10 – 0.30 wt. %). The results showed that the cutting fluid reduced surface roughness by 74 % compared to dry cutting conditions. The tool morphology showed a thin graphene layer, which can reduce friction and minimise built-up edge. This condition was also supported by examination of chip morphology, where a GNPs percentage of 0.25 wt. % produced C-shape chips, indicating high deformation.