Fabrication and Investigation of Abrasive Wear Behavior of AZ31-WC-Graphite Hybrid Nanocomposites

In current investigation, effects of incorporation of varying amount of graphite nanoparticles on abrasive wear behavior of AZ31-WC nanocomposites are examined. AZ31-WC-Gr hybrid nanocomposites are developed using ultrasonic vibration associated stir casting technique. Developed hybrid nanocomposites are characterized using optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Compositions of hybrid nanocomposites are investigated by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Characterization results disclose that reinforcement particles are uniformly distributed in AZ31 matrix. Compositional analysis confirms fortification of reinforcements. Microhardness values of developed hybrid nanocomposites are examined through microhardness tests. Abrasive wear behavior of AZ31 alloy and AZ31-WC-Graphite nanocomposites are investigated for varying sliding distance and varying abrasive grit size in a pin-on-disc tribotester. Abrasive wear tests disclose that incorporation of only 1 wt. % of graphite nanoparticles enhances wear resistance significantly. AZ31-2WC-1Graphite nanocomposite is found to be the most wear resistant material for all experimental conditions. Worn surfaces are scrutinized under SEM and EDS to reveal worn morphology. Investigation of worn surfaces discloses that abrasion and oxidation are main wear mechanism for AZ31-2WC-1Graphite nanocomposite tested at 50 mm track diameter and 800 grit.