Tribological investigation of alumina/graphene nanoplatelets reinforced epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

Epoxy nanocomposites are widely used in sliding conditions of different applications such as structural components, automotive and marine vessels, etc. Thus, the study of such type materials currently drawing wide attention to the research communities. In this work, the micro hardness, the average coefficient of friction and the specific wear rate of the neat epoxy and alumina (Al2O3)/graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) reinforced epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. The various mix ratios of Al2O3/GnP particles were incorporated into the epoxy resin using the probe sonication method followed by the ball milling process in order to achieve the homogeneous dispersion in the epoxy matrix. The results showed that the micro hardness value for the combined loading of 2 wt% of Al2O3 and 0.5 wt% of GnP into the epoxy matrix was increased to 47.64% whereas the average coefficient of friction and specific wear rate value for the combined loading of 2 wt% of Al2O3 and 0.5 wt% of GnP reinforced epoxy nanocomposites was decreased to 18.3% and 76.92% when compared with the neat epoxy test coupons. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the atomic force microscope (AFM) images of worn out surfaces of composite specimens were used for the understanding of dispersion of the fillers and wear mechanisms.