Formulation and Investigation of Suitability of Jathropha Vegetable Oil as a Cutting Fluid

Abstract

The need to lubricate and cool tool-chip interface during machining operations; to minimise friction and heat as well as take away the heat from cutting tool and workpiece by means of applying cutting fluids have been in use for over a century. The most common among the cutting fluid in use is mineral oil. However, mineral oil has been found to be eco-unfriendly. Consequently, the need to search for eco-friendly cutting fluids. This paper provides an overview of some of the existing types of cutting fluids, with their respective advantages and disadvantages clearly enumerated. Detailed investigation of suitability of Jathropha vegetable oil as a cutting fluid is also investigated. The fatty acid composition (FAC) profile of Jathropha vegetable oil was investigated via GC-MS test and it was found to be unsaturated in nature, hence suitable for formulation of cutting fluid. The procedure involved in the formulation of the Jathropha vegetable oil -based and mineral oil- based cutting fluids are clearly explained. The formulated mineral oil and Jathropha vegetable oil-based cutting fluids were then characterized and mineral oil-based cutting fluid was found to have a viscosity of 1.00mm2/s and pH value of 8.9 while Jathripha vegetable oil-based cutting fluid have a viscosity of 2.32mm2/s and pH value of 8.65. Both cutting fluids are corrosion resistant, milky in colour and of acceptable stability. Jathropha vegetable oil-based cutting fluids, in view of its environmental friendliness and biodegradability is consequently recommended as a suitable alternative cutting fluid to mineral oil-based cutting fluids for machining of metallic workpieces