Tribological Properties and Microstructures of Tungsten Carbide and Few-Layer Graphene-Reinforced Aluminum-Based Composites

TAŞKIN A., Şenel M. C.

Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals, vol.77, no.2, pp.445-456, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 77 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12666-023-03114-w
  • Journal Name: Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Communication Abstracts, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.445-456
  • Keywords: Aluminum, Composite, Graphene, Tungsten carbide, Wear
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The present work investigates the tribological properties and microstructures of tungsten carbide (WC: 0–30 wt%) and few-layer graphene (FLG: 0.1–0.5 wt%)-reinforced aluminum matrix composites fabricated via the powder metallurgy route. The tribological and mechanical behavior of the produced samples were investigated by the pin-on-disk wear testing machine, micro-Vickers hardness test unit, and compressive test machine. Based on the test results, Al-30 wt%WC-0.3 wt% FLG composite exhibited maximum density (3.35 ± 0.01 g/cm3), hardness (98 ± 1.5 HV), compressive strength (189 ± 4 MPa), and lowest mass loss (0.9 mg), wear rate (1.1 × 10–4 mm3/(Nm)), coefficient of friction (0.14). Compared to pure aluminum, the hardness, compressive strength, wear rate, and friction coefficient of Al-30%WC-0.3%FLG was improved by ~ 250%, ~ 77%, 428%, and ~ 77%, respectively. After 0.3 wt% FLG content, the tribological and mechanical properties were decreased due to the agglomerated graphene nanoplatelets from the scanning electron microscope image of the Al-30%WC-0.5%FLG composite.