Mechanical properties and tribological performance of alumina matrix composites reinforced with graphene-family materials

Abstract

This paper introduce the formation of alumina matrix composites reinforced with multilayered graphene, graphene oxide and nickel-phosphorus coated multilayered graphene. The powder metallurgy technique followed by the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) method were utilized to fabricate the specimens. The influence of graphene-family material additions on microstructure was investigated, and correlated with measurements of mechanical properties. The emphasis of the research has been placed on the tribological performance conducted with the use of the ball-on-disc method under loads of 10 N and 30 N. Both the wear tracks of composites and the corresponding counterparts were carefully analysed, to evaluate the combined influence of mechanical properties and tribofilm formation on the measured wear rates. All results were compared to pure alumina as a reference specimen.