Development and performance evaluation of watermelon seed oil-based cutting fluid in the drilling operations of mild steel

Abstract

The study was aimed at developing and evaluating the performance of a cutting fluid derived from watermelon seed oil for use in the drilling of mild steel. It was stated that cutting fluids play a vital role in machining operations by minimizing heat and friction and extending the life of tools. However, the researchers observed that traditional cutting fluids pose significant environmental and health risks due to their chemical nature. Consequently, the study proposed the use of watermelon seed oil, a biodegradable and renewable resource, as a more sustainable alternative. The methodology involved the extraction of oil from watermelon seeds, followed by the characterization of its physicochemical properties. The researchers then used the oil as a cutting fluid in controlled drilling experiments on mild steel. During these experiments, they recorded critical performance indicators such as cutting temperature, tool wear, surface roughness, and overall machining efficiency. These results were then compared to those obtained using conventional cutting fluids. It was reported that the watermelon seed oil-based cutting fluid demonstrated promising results, showing competitive or superior performance in several metrics. The researchers noted reductions in cutting temperatures and tool wear, along with improvements in surface finish. Moreover, the oil was found to be environmentally friendly and economically viable when compared to traditional alternatives. These findings suggested that agricultural waste, such as watermelon seeds, could serve as a valuable resource in industrial processes. In conclusion, the study recommended further exploration of biodegradable oils in machining applications. The researchers emphasized that the adoption of such alternatives could support the transition toward greener and more sustainable manufacturing practices. They also highlighted the potential for scaling the use of agricultural by-products in the development of industrial lubricants and cutting fluids.