Title: Boron and graphene nanoparticles as solid lubricant in micro milling of nickel titanium shape memory alloys

Authors: Zainal Abidin Zailani; Paul Tarisai Mativenga

Addresses: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia; Sustainable Manufacturing Technology Research Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia ' Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering (MACE), School of Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK

Abstract: Nickel titanium shape memory alloys (NiTi SMAs) are employed in a number of applications, however they are difficult to machine due to their high ductility, temperature sensitivity, and severe work hardening. Rapid tool wear and poor workpiece quality are inherent with their machining. Thus, new innovations are crucial to enhance their machinability. The usage of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride solid lubricant nanoparticles to enhance minimum quantity lubricant in micro-milling was investigated in this study. Evaluated parameters were ratio of undeformed chip thickness to cutting edge radius, composition of nanoparticles and cutting environment. Analysis of variance was employed to investigate the influence of process parameters and their interactions on flank wear, burr formation, surface roughness and cutting force. Graphene was found to be more effective than boron nitride in terms of reducing flank wear, burr size and cutting forces. Hexagonal boron nitride yielded better surface finish owing to smaller amount and size of nanoparticles. The work clearly shows the important of type and size of nanoparticles in improving machining performance. Additionally, the impact of simultaneously using chilled air and graphene nanoparticles in further improving process performance is reported.

Keywords: shape memory alloys; micro milling; solid lubricants; minimum quantity lubricant; chilled air; Taguchi method; minimum quantity lubrication; MQL.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2022.125199

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2022 Vol.24 No.3/4, pp.262 - 279

Received: 10 Dec 2021
Accepted: 07 Mar 2022
Published online: 01 Sep 2022 *

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