Lubricating property of MQL grinding of Al2O3/SiC mixed nanofluid with different particle sizes and microtopography analysis by cross-correlation

•Different particle sizes Al2O3/SiC mixed nanoparticle jet MQL grinding was experimented.•Morphology of grinding debris and contact angle was used to evaluate experiment.•Profile supporting length rate curve was used to analysis of workpiece surface.•Furthermore, a cross-correlation analysis on the workpiece surface profile curve.•30:70 is the best size ratio of Al2O3/SiC mixed nanofluid.

With the increased requirements for environmental protection, energy conservation, and low consumption, nanofluid minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) grinding, which is an environment-friendly machining method, has been paid increasing attention. Improving the lubricating property of nanofluids effectively is currently a main research trend. Meanwhile, optimizing mixed nanoparticle (NP) size ratio is an effective way for enhancing the lubricating property of MQL grinding. In the experiment, different sizes (30, 50, and 70 nm) of Al2O3 and SiC NPs were mixed, and nanofluids were prepared at 2% (volume fraction) mixed NPs and base oil. The prepared nanofluids were then used in MQL grinding on a hard Ni-based alloy (inconel 718). The experiment was then evaluated by specific grinding force, removal rate of workpiece, surface roughness, morphology of grinding debris, and contact angle. The effect of the sizes of the Al2O3/SiC mixed NPs on MQL grinding performance was discussed in accordance with the period and amplitude, as well as cross-correlation coefficient, of the workpiece surface cross-correlation function curve profile. Experimental results suggest that different Al2O3/SiC mixed NP sizes affect the nanofluid MQL grinding performance variably. The highest removal rate of the workpiece [189.05 mm3/(s N)] and the lowest RSm (0.0381 mm) were achieved when the Al2O3/SiC mixed NP size ratio was 70:30. The lowest Ra (0.298 μm) was obtained at 50:30. Meanwhile, the highest length ratio of the profile support (90%), the best morphology of abrasive dusts, and the largest wetting area of liquid drops were acquired at 30:70. Furthermore, a cross-correlation analysis of the workpiece surface profile curve under three size ratios (30:70, 50:30, and 70:30) was carried out. The cross-correlation function curve of the workpiece surface profile under 30:70 attained the shortest period, the largest amplitude, and the largest cross-correlation coefficient (0.67), thereby indicating good workpiece surface quality. Therefore, 30:70 was the best size ratio of the Al2O3/SiC mixed nanofluid.