Tribological performance of SiO2-based nanofluids in minimum quantity lubrication grinding of Si3N4 ceramic

Recently, there has been increased need for alternative lubrication techniques in grinding of advanced engineering ceramics. Literatures have indicated that the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) method is a viable option for lubrication during grinding operations. The MQL technique was found to be non-hazardous, sustainable, eco-friendly, inexpensive and possess superior tribology than the conventional flood cooling technique. This work entails an experimental investigation on grinding of silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic using MQL with vegetable-oil-based silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanofluid. The grinding experiments were conducted using different process based on Taguchi L-16 experimental design. The acquired results of tangential, normal grinding forces, and surface quality were analysed using Taguchi SN ratio analysis. Subsequently, an ANFIS prediction model was developed to analyse the effects of the process parameters on the forces and surface quality. The developed ANFIS prediction model was found to be highly accurate in predicting the performances of the grinding operations. The results obtained show that, by increasing the nanofluid concentration, the grinding forces decreases significantly, with resultant improvement in the surface quality. The 2 w/w percentage was found to be the optimum nanofluid concentration whereas the air pressure of 0.8 MPa gave better performance. Lastly, an optimum parameter setting for grinding the engineering ceramic was obtained.