The tribological properties of nanofluid used in minimum quantity lubrication grinding

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) grinding using nanofluid showed superior grinding performance by reducing the grinding force and surface roughness in comparison with that of pure base fluid MQL grinding. In this study, the conditions of the grinding interaction between the grinding wheel and the workpiece were simulated by a pin-on-flat tribotester. The role of nanofluid in MQL grinding process was investigated through friction and wear experiments. The results show that nanoparticles, especially Al2O3, added to base fluid exhibit noticeable friction reduction and anti-wear properties. The addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles in deionized water decreased the friction coefficient and the worn weight by 34.2 and 43.4 %, respectively, as compared to the pure deionized water. Furthermore, investigation was performed using scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometer to interpret the possible mechanisms of friction reduction and anti-wear with nanoparticles.