Journal Publications

This study evaluates blended mahogany and avocado seed oils as sustainable alternatives to mineral oil-based cutting fluids for machining of difficult-to cut stainless steel. The oils were extracted, characterized, and formulated into emulsions using a full factorial design (L₁₆(2⁴)) with selected additives. Physicochemical results showed that mahogany oil had a higher yield (59%) and lower specific gravity (0.893) compared to avocado oil (26%, 0.934), while both were liquid at room temperature with pH values of 8.01 and 7.33, respectively. FT-IR and GC–MS analyses confirmed fatty acid methyl esters and unsaturated fatty acids, with methyl stearate (16.57%) dominant in mahogany oil and methyl oleate (19.34%) in avocado oil, indicating strong lubricating and biodegradable potential. Also, lubricity tests showed that avocado oil had better cold-flow and thermal stability, with lower cloud (6°C) and pour points (2°C) compared to mahogany oil (9°C and 12°C), and higher flash (213°C) and fire points (185°C) than mahogany oil (178°C and 170°C). Theerefore, the study confirms that mahogany and avocado oils are viable biodegradable oils for cutting fluids formulation