High production rate of the machining industry is the need of the hour for the industry to meet the demand and improve its profits. However, to meet the need for a high production rate, the machining parameters such as feed, speed, and depth of cut should be kept high. The machining at high parameters results in the generation of high temperatures at the machining zone, which damages the tool as well as the workpiece surface. In order to control this temperature, cutting fluids are used by the machining industry in large amounts. However, these cutting fluids are toxic and the use of these cutting fluids deteriorates the environment and adds to the cost of production. Moreover, the sticker environment regulations for the use of cutting fluids need to be reduced. In order to address this problem, researchers have investigated various cooling lubrication techniques and have concluded that minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) technique can address this problem to a large extent. The present paper includes reviews of various environment-friendly lubrication techniques with a special focus on MQL. The performance of MQL technique in various machining operations such as drilling, milling, turning, etc. has been reviewed with a special focus on grinding operations. Efforts are made to summarize the findings of previous studies. Moreover, technological improvements in the MQL technique by the use of nanoparticles and vegetable oils have also been included. The present paper also highlights the challenges faced in the application of MQL technique and the future scope of the technique.
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