The effect of age hardening heat treatment (T6) on the microstructure and wear behavior of Al-8Zn-3Mg-2.5Cu nanocomposite reinforced with graphene nano plates

In this study, microstructure and wear behavior of Al-8Zn-3Mg-2.5Cu aluminum alloy matrix nanocomposite reinforced with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 wt.% graphene nano plates (GNPs) produced by stir casting and ultrasonic treatment have been investigated. Ultrasound device equipped with a cooling system with high powers was used for mixing alloy and nanoparticles. Also the microstructure and wear surfaces of nanocomposite was investigated by scanning electron microscope equipped with EDS analysis. The microstructural studies of the nanocomposite revealed that GNPs addition reduces the grain size, but adding high GNPs content (1 wt.%) does not change the grain size considerably. Further investigations on wear revealed that the addition of GNPs increases wear resistance . At high GNPs contents (1 wt.%), the presence of GNPs agglomerate on grain boundaries was found that causes decrease the wear resistance. The optimum amount of nanoparticles is 0.5 wt.% GNPs that nanocomposite exhibits bes wear resistance.