文摘
The present work explores the application of nanofluids (NFs) in small quantity lubrication (SQL) mode by suspending eco-friendly Silver and Zinc oxide nanoparticles in deionized water. These nanoparticles have already been established as eco-friendly by several researchers. Hence these NFs may be termed as environmentally sustainable, and the present work is the first attempt to use such NFs in environment-friendly grinding of Inconel 718 (IN718) superalloy. The NFs have been supplied into the grinding zone using an in-house developed SQL setup. The results of the grinding process using NFs have been compared with the outcomes of grinding experiments under dry, wet and SQL with soluble oil. Ground surface integrity, wheel topography, and chip morphology have been investigated with the help of Scanning electron microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy and Stereo Zoom microscopy micrographs. The NFs have been characterized through measurements of zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter, thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity, and contact angles in relation to IN718 surface. From the present study, it can be concluded that application of NFs resulted in minimization of grinding forces, coefficient of friction, and improvement in the ground surface integrity. Zinc oxide based NFs have shown better grinding responses mainly because of improved lubrication behavior. It is primarily due to better spreadability that has induced stable lubricious film at the contacting surfaces even at a higher temperature. The findings of this work can be regarded as a first step towards the green and sustainable grinding of high strength superalloys.
