• A novel Nepenthes-inspired microtexture on cutting tool rake faces enables controlled lubricant transport, overcoming lubrication limitations in continuous cutting.
• A dynamic model for lubricant transport in open microchannels was developed, achieving 5.01% average prediction deviation and 4.72% improvement over the classical Lucas-Washburn model.
• The T2 surface exhibited the strongest unidirectional diffusion, with contact angle ratio 0.48, droplet unidirectional spreading ratio 1.75, and droplet spreading aspect ratio 3.99.
• Micro-textured surfaces in MQL turning enhance anti-wear, friction-reducing, and efficiency, supporting sustainable machining of difficult-to-machine materials.