Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Nano Platelets (GNP)-Reinforced Aluminium 7075 Nano Composites

Background: The present need for manufacturing industries is the creation of a new class of engineered materials with high specific properties. In this regard, nanocomposite materials have shown promising results compared to monolithic materials. Recent patents also show high mechanical and tribological properties. Objective: The tribological and mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP)-reinforced aluminium 7075 nanocomposites are reported in this article with the objective of finding optimum properties. Methods: The nanocomposites were successfully produced with the stir casting technique, a liquid metallurgy route with varying weight percentages of reinforcement composition of 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. Results: The result showed an improvement in ultimate tensile strength of 69.5% and microhardness of 76.67% in contrast to the base alloy when it was cast. The wear rate was dropped significantly by 43% and 40% in 10N and 20N loading conditions with respect to as-cast conditions. Further, a decrease in the average coefficient of friction was observed from 0.680 to 0.565. Conclusion: Graphene nanoplatelets came out as excellent reinforcement in the aluminium 7075 alloy, as they showed an impact on improved properties. The decreasing wear rate and coefficient of friction showed their self-lubricating nature. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) results and optical microstructure were also discussed.