Graphene encapsulated SiC nanoparticles as tribology-favoured nanofillers in aluminium composite

摘要

Graphene encapsulated SIC nanoparticles were incorporated into aluminium matrix composite (AMC) and its tribological behaviour was investigated under dry sliding wear. SEM, 3D-laser, TEM and Raman microscopies were employed to characterise the composite. It was found that the wear rate and coefficient of friction of the composite were 98.0% and 35.9% lower than that of the reference sample reinforced with solely SiC nano particles respectively. The improved tribological properties are probably attributed to the uniform distribution of graphene nanosheets in the bulk composite which smeared on the wear scar and formed graphene-rich micro tribofilms during the sliding wear.