Mechanical and tribological behaviours of aluminium matrix composites reinforced by graphene nanoplatelets

In the present study, the effects of graphene content (0.1, 0.3, 0.5?wt-%) on the mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium matrix composites were reported. The experimental results reveal that the best apparent density (2.58?±?0.02?g?cm^?3), highest Vickers hardness (57?±?2.5?HV), lowest mass loss (1.6 and 9.7?mg for 10?N and 40?N), and lowest wear rate (12?×?10^?5 and 18?×?10^?5?mm³/Nm for 10?N and 40?N) were obtained at aluminium–0.1% graphene composite when compared with pure aluminium. The ultimate compressive strength of composites increases from 106?±?4 to 138?±?4?MPa with increasing graphene nanoplatelet contents. All results showed that graphene has been a very effective reinforcement and solid-lubricant material for Al matrix composites.