Mechanical and tribological properties of AA2124-graphene self lubricating nanocomposite

Abstract

In this paper AA2124/graphene self-lubricating nanocomposites with different graphene addition of 0.5,3 and 5%wt. were prepared using P/M technique. A combination of cold compaction and hot extrusion (H.E) at ~0.45Tm were employed for fabrication of the nanocomposites. Addition of graphene significantly increased the compressive strength and hardness of the composites, while poor results were obtained for the ductility at room temperature. The microstructures of the composites were studied using OM and SEM. The effects of graphene addition on the friction and wear performances of the nanocomposites at room temperature in air in sliding against plain AA 2124 were investigated for the HE conditions using a pin-on-disk tribometer. Results showed that the wear rates of AA21224 could be remarkably reduced when 3wt% graphene is added and when cold compaction followed by HE at relatively low temperature was employed.