Comparison of Tribological Properties of NiAl Matrix Composites Containing Graphite, Carbon Nanotubes, or Graphene

To better understand respective lubrication effects and mechanisms of graphite, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and multilayer graphene (MLG), comparison of tribological properties of NiAl matrix composites (NAMC) containing graphite, MWNTs, or MLG is investigated. Tribological results clearly indicate that the incorporation of solid lubricant remarkably improves the tribological properties of NAMC. NAMC containing MWNTs have better tribological properties than that containing graphite. NAMC containing MLG have the best tribological properties. EPMA, AFM, and FESEM analyses of worn surfaces suggest that the discontinuous island-like solid lubricant-rich films with different compacting extent forms on the worn surfaces of NAMC containing solid lubricant. The worn surface of NAM shows the slighter delamination and comparatively more compact films than that of NAC; in contrast, the worn surface of NAG presents the slightest delamination and the most compact films. It is concluded that graphite, MWNTs, and MLG indeed possess different lubrication effects and mechanisms.