Experimental study on tribological properties of Cu–Al2O3 nanocomposite hybridized by graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract

Mechanical and tribological properties of Cu–Al2O3 nanocomposite hybridized by silver (Ag) coated graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were studied. Four different GNPs content, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 wt% were considered to highlight its influence on the properties of the produced hybrid nanocomposite. The synthesis of hybrid nanocomposites involves ball milling and hot pressing. Microstructural observations showed homogenous distribution of both Al2O3 and GNPs. The results showed significant hardness improvement with increasing GNPs content reaching 55.2% compared to the pure Cu due to the grain refinement, high strength of GNPs and the reinforcing of grain boundaries by the precipitation of GNPs. Moreover, the wear resistance is increased while the coefficient of friction is decreased by increasing GNPs content. Among the all manufactured samples, Cu-10 wt% Al2O3 +1.2 wt% GNPs shows the highest mechanical and the wear resistance. Additionally, it shows the lowest coefficient of friction highlighting its importance for tribological applications.