Tribological evaluation of hexagonal boron nitride in modified jatropha oil as sustainable metalworking fluid

The used of metalworking fluids (MWFs) from petroleum-based oil during machining process contributed negative impact to the humans and environment. Therefore, bio-based oil from vegetable oil was recently explored as an alternative solution to petroleum-based oil to implement sustainable manufacturing process. In this study, modified jatropha oil (MJO5) with and without hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) particles were evaluated through friction and wear test and orthogonal cutting performance in comparison with synthetic ester (SE). MJO5 were mixed with hBN particles at various concentrations (i.e. 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5wt.%). Experimental results showed that the addition of 0.05wt.% of hBN particles in MJO5 (MJO5a) provided lowest coefficient of friction (COF) and smallest wear scar diameter (WSD). MJO5a has the best anti-friction ability by reducing the cutting force and cutting temperature which related to the formation of thinner chips and small tool-chip contact length. MJO5a is the best substitute to SE as sustainable MWFs in the machining operation in regards to the environmental and health concern.