Tribological Characteristics of NiAl Matrix Composites with 1.5 wt% Graphene at Elevated Temperatures: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

Abstract

In this study, the tribological properties of NiAl matrix composites with 1.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelets (NAG) at elevated temperatures were simulated and tested. NAG exhibits excellent characteristics at 100 and 200°C due to the formation of metal oxides and graphene nanoplatelets lubrication film. Furthermore, the removed layer thickness, the stress distributions, and the high stresses of the affected layer have been estimated theoretically. At 400°C, the friction coefficient increased due to the absence of the lubrication layer. In addition, the wear rate increased due to the excessive stresses, the increased layer thickness removal, and the propagation of subsurface cracks.

KEY WORDS:

• Self-Lubricated Wear
• Friction Test Methods
• Stress Analysis
• Solid Lubrication
• Dynamic Modeling

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors are grateful to the Material Research and Testing Center of Wuhan University of Technology for their assistance.

FUNDING

This work was supported by the Project for Science and Technology Plan of Wuhan City (2013010501010139) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51275370).