Effect of graphene addition and tribological performance of Al 6061/graphene flake composite

Abstract

Graphene, no wonder has attracted a significant research interest due to its extensive physical properties at its single atomic thickness and 2D morphology. The current studies focus on the role of graphene in reducing the wear and frictional coefficient of Al 6061–graphene-reinforced metal–matrix composites (MMC’s). Reinforcement chosen is 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 wt% of graphene to investigate the self-lubricating property under dry wear condition and processed through the ultrasonic liquid processor. The dry frictional wear test was carried out using pin-on-disc tribometer to evaluate the effect of graphene content in the composites under various normal load (5, 10, 15 N) and disc sliding speed (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 m/s) conditions. The results show that there is a significant increase in the hardness and wear resistance and a reduction in the coefficient of friction (μ) values compared to pure alloys. Arithmetic mean surface roughness values (R_a), max profile peak (R_p) and max valley depth (R_v) are found to be comparatively lower than the pure alloy. Due to the tribological potential coupled with improved strength and surface roughness values, Al 6061–graphene composite are excellent candidates for all applications where it is subjected to Friction and wear.

Keywords:

• Microwave sintering
• graphene
• wear
• surface roughness

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge DST-SERB (Department of Science and Technology – Science and Engineering Research Board), Government of India for funding this research work vide sanction order No.SB/S3MMER/0058/2013.