The Effect of MoS2 and MWCNTs Nanomicro Lubrication on the Process of 7050 Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

Nanofluid Minimum Quantity Lubrication (NMQL) is a resource-saving, environmentally friendly, and efficient green processing technology. Therefore, this study employs Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) technology to conduct milling operations on aerospace 7050 aluminum alloy using soybean oil infused with varying concentrations of MoS2 and MWCNTs nanoparticles. By measuring cutting forces, cutting temperatures, and surface roughness under three different lubrication conditions (dry machining, Minimum Quantity Lubrication, and nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication), the optimal lubricating oil with the best lubrication performance is selected. Under the conditions of hybrid nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication (NMQL), as compared to dry machining and Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) processing, surface roughness was reduced by 48% and 36% respectively, cutting forces were decreased by 35% and 29% respectively, and cutting temperatures were lowered by 44% and 40%, respectively. Under the conditions of hybrid nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication, the optimal parameter combination is cutting speed (Vc) of 199.93 m/min, feed rate (f) of 0.18 mm, cutting depth (ap) of 0.49 mm, and nanofluid mass fraction (wt) of 0.51%. The hybrid nanofluid can significantly enhance heat exchange capacity and lubrication performance, thereby improving machining characteristics.