Application of nanofluids as cutting fluids in machining operations: a brief review

The evolution of materials of cutting tools and their geometry, is currently leading to a technological development of many other sectors linked to machining. It is, therefore, a progress in the construction of machine tools, the machining of new materials, improvement of cutting fluids (lower toxicity and costs related to the maintenance and treatment of used cutting fluids, chemical formulation). Regarding the cutting fluids, international regulations are moving towards eco-elimination or limiting the use of certain molecules for ecological reasons. In addition, the formulation must be adapted as best as possible to the industrial demand, both in terms of performance and costs. The characteristics of nanofluids meet all these requirements and seem to be a promising solution for major problems encountered when using conventional cutting fluids. The present paper reports a literature review emphasizing essentially the investigations performed during the last 2 years. This literature focuses on the use of nano-lubricant in machining processes such as turning, milling and grinding processes. Analyzing the current review, it has been found that the use of nanofluids especially hybrid ones reduces the tool wear, the surface roughness, cutting forces, and heat generation. However, the optimal choice of nanoparticles and their concentrations that suites more the most severe cutting conditions, needs more attention in future works.