Determination of nano-graphene content for improved mechanical and tribological performance of Zn-based alloy matrix hybrid nanocomposites

ÇANAKÇI A., ÇELEBİ M.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds, cilt.1001, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 1001
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.175152
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Public Affairs Index, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: B4C, Graphene, Milling, Wear, ZnAl40Cu2
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The primary objective of this study is to explore the fabrication of a hybrid nanocomposite (HNC) composed of ZnAl40Cu2 alloy, graphene, and B4C particles, while also determining the optimal graphene reinforcement ratio for enhanced properties. Our methodology entails the production of HNC powders (HNPs) through mechanical milling, where we combine graphene nanoplatelets with B4C microparticles into ZnAl40Cu2 alloy powders. Throughout this process, we maintain a constant B4C content of 1.5 wt%, while varying the graphene content at 1.5 wt%, 3 wt%, and 4.5 wt%. Following the characterization of all produced powders, which includes an assessment of powder morphology, powder size distribution, and powder microhardness, we proceed to hot-press the HNPs to create bulk HNC samples. After consolidating the specimens, a comprehensive series of tests are carried out to determine microstructural, mechanical (hardness and tensile strength) and tribological properties. Our results reveal that the HNC specimen with graphene content of 3 wt% (referred to as A2) displays the most notable enhancements in properties. Specifically, A2 exhibits an impressive hardness of 163 HB, surpassing the hardness of the ZnAl40Cu2 matrix alloy, which measures at 133 HB. Furthermore, its ultimate tensile strength significantly outperforms the ZnAl40Cu2 matrix alloy, with a remarkable value of 223 MPa compared to 157 MPa. However, it is worth noting that the improvement in wear resistance for HNCs is most pronounced up to a certain threshold of graphene content, which is 3 wt%.