Influence of Graphene Reinforcement Particles on the Mechanical and Wear Behavior of AlMgCuCrFeZn High Entropy Alloy Composite Material

Abstract Graphene reinforced (with 3, 6, 9 weight percentage (wt.%)) AlMgCuCrFeZn high entropy alloys (HEAs) were developed utilizing the mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering process and the mechanical properties of the composite samples were analyzed in terms of yield strength and compressive strength. Wear rate, wear resistance, specific wear rate, and Vicker’s hardness were also analyzed. The Hollomon power law hardening constants has been determined for the developed samples. HEAs have sound practical implications in different industries due to their exceptional mechanical properties, hardness, and wear resistance. In the present research, graphene was reinforced with AlMgCuCrFeZn HEA to enhance the strength, hardness, and wear resistance, making it suitable for aerospace, automotive, and biomechanical fields. The developed HEA exhibited application in the fabrication of turbine blades, heat exchangers, and nuclear reactors. Results revealed that Graphene (3wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn, Graphene (6wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn, and Graphene (9wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn HEA composite samples exhibited 9.85, 13.053, and 16.18% more yield strength than Graphene (0wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn. Further, Graphene (3wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn, Graphene (6wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn, and Graphene (9wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn HEA composite samples exhibited 12.01, 20.52, and 30.54% more compressive strength than Graphene (0wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn. Graphene (9wt.%)/AlMgCuCrFeZn exhibited maximum wear resistance than other samples the load range 30-120N.