Mechanical and Tribological Behaviours of Aluminium Matrix Composites Reinforced by Graphene Nanoplatelets

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of graphene content (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 wt-%) on the mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium matrix composites were reported. The experimental results reveal that the best apparent density (2.58 ± 0.02 g cm−3), highest Vickers hardness (57 ± 2.5 HV), lowest mass loss (1.6 and 9.7 mg for 10 N and 40 N), and lowest wear rate (12 × 10−5 and 18 × 10− 5 mm3/Nm for 10 N and 40 N) were obtained at aluminium–0.1% graphene composite when compared with pure aluminium. The ultimate compressive strength of composites increases from 106 ± 4 to 138 ± 4 MPa with increasing graphene nanoplatelet contents. All results showed that graphene has been a very effective reinforcement and solid-lubricant material for Al matrix composites. © 2018, © 2018 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.