Progress for sustainability in the mist assisted cooling techniques: a critical review

The proper implementation of sustainable manufacturing processes is an effective step towards a clean environment. The modern cooling strategies applied in the manufacturing sector have presented promising solutions that enable economic growth and ecological environment. In machining operations, cryogenic cooling and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) have been extensively utilized to replace conventional cooling techniques. Thus, this work offers a detailed review of major works focused on manufacturing processes that use some of these sustainable cooling/lubrication modes (i.e., MQL, nanocutting fluids, nanofluid-based MQL strategy, and other miscellaneous MQL upgrades). The main driver of this study is to create a bridge between the past and present studies related to MQL and MQL upgrades. In this way, a new guideline can be established to offer clear directions for a better economic vision and a cleaner manufacturing process. Thus, this review has mainly focused on the machining of the most commonly used materials under MQL-related methods in conventional operations including turning, milling, drilling, and grinding. Current work provides a detailed insight into the major benefits, limitations, as well as mechanisms of cooling strategies that directly affects the machinability performance from a sustainable point of view. In summary, further potential upgrades are indicated so that it will help to drive more sustainable approaches in terms of cooling and lubrication environment during machining processes.