Tribological performance of self-lubricating aluminum matrix nanocomposites: Role of graphene nanoplatelets

In the present investigation, aluminum matrix nanocomposites reinforced by graphene nanoplatelets were synthesized by powder metallurgy method. The microstructure of the Al-Graphene nanoplatelets sample was investigated by TEM. The hardness measurements of these samples were investigated using a Rockwell hardness tester. To investigate the tribological behavior of aluminum matrix composites reinforced by graphene nanoplatelets and pure aluminum, pin-on-disk experiments were conducted on the prepared samples. In the experiments, the influence of reinforcement, volume fraction, normal load, and sliding velocity on the tribological performance was investigated. Results showed that the wear rate of Al-1wt.% GNP is increased with increasing normal loads. However, the coefficient of friction (COF) of the Al-1wt.% GNP decreased with increasing normal loads. Formation of graphene film on the worn surface of Al-1wt.% GNP sample and morphology of the worn surfaces of aluminum and composite samples were analyzed by Optical Microscope (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was found that the graphene nanoplatelets reinforced nano-composites showed superior tribological properties and demonstrated the ability of the self-lubricating nature of the composite during tribological conditions.