Friction and Wear of Al2O3 + G Nanocomposite Produced via Spark Plasma Sintering

Abstract

We report the effect of graphene (G) allotropic carbon modification in a content range of 0.5–2.0 wt % on the tribological, strength, and structural characteristics of an Al2O3/G nanocomposite produced by a 10-min plasma spark sintering (at a pressure of 50 MPa and a temperature of 1550°C) of a nanopowder mixture, previously subjected to ultrasonic dispersion in organic solvent. Its lubricant free friction and wear are tested at room temperature on a tribometer under a load of 20 N, at a roundabout motion of a ruby ball penetrator on a disk. The nanohardness and elastic modulus of the nanocomposite are determined via kinetic indentation. The fracture surface structure and friction track are monitored using a scanning electron microscope. The microstructure in the bulk of the nanocomposite was probed via dark- and bright-field transmission electron microscopy scanning of thin foils. The thermal stability of graphene was monitored via Raman spectroscopy. The introduction of graphene is shown to improve micro- and nanohardness, elasticity, and wear resistance by two to three orders of magnitude, as well as to slightly decrease the coefficient of friction. A graphene content of 2 wt % alters the mechanism of wear from brittle fracture to viscous shear owing to stronger coupling of matrix grains and the presence of agglomerates. A lack of degradation and the retention of graphene thermal stability are evidenced as well. The morphology of graphene particles reveals their preferential arrangement inside the corundum grains rather than at the grain boundaries.