Tribological performance of alumina matrix composites reinforced with nickel-coated graphene

This paper discusses the effect of modified multilayer graphene nanoplatelets (MLG-Ni-P) and unmodified multilayer graphene nanoplatelets (MLG) addition on the tribological properties of alumina matrix composites. The composites were prepared by powder metallurgy processing using Spark Plasma Sintering to consolidate the powders. The effect of the coated graphene addition on the strength properties was evaluated. Furthermore, the relative density, fracture toughness and tribological properties were investigated. The lowest wear rates (0.1 mm(3)/Nm for Al2O3-2 vol% Gn), despite lower mechanical properties (4.1 MPa m(.5) for Al2O3-2 vol% Gn), were observed for composites reinforced with uncoated graphene. Moreover, the threshold volume of graphene addition was specified to achieve high tribological properties of composites.