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 x 10(-5) and 18 x 10(-5) mm(3)/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.