Wear Behavior of Graphite Nano Plates/Al Composites

Abstract

An a luminum matrix composite reinforced with 1–5 wt % graphite nano platelets ( CNPLs ) has been fabricated by cold pressing followed by hot extrusion techniques. The wear test conditions used were implemented at different wear loads, (10 N, 20 N, 30 N, 40 N, and 50N) with three different sliding speed of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 m/sec. The effects of nano graphite content on the structure characteristics and properties of composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used to examine the dispersion of CNPLs and aluminum. The results showed that CNPLs were distributed homogeneously in the (CNPLs/Al) composites. The CNPLs content significantly affects the mechanical properties of (CNPLs/Al) composites. Meanwhile, the 2.0 wt % CNPLs /Al composite is found to exhibit the highest hardness. Experimental results showed that at all the loads studied the wear resistance of the composites was better when compared with the monolithic aluminum matrix.