IMPACT OF PROCESS CONTROLLING AGENT ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE, AND WEAR RESISTANCE OF COPPER /GRAPHENE NANOCOMPOSITE

Abstract

Copper-graphene nano composite is prepared with 0.25,0.50,0.75,1.00,1.25 and 1.50 wt.% graphene nano sheets. Powder metallurgy technique is used for the preparation process. In which copper powder is mechanically milled with nano graphene sheet by 10: 1 ball to powder ratio, and 400 rpm for 12 hr. milling time. The mixtures are compacted by a uniaxial press under 700 Mpa pressure. The compacted samples are sintered under controlled atmosphere at 950 oC for 1.5 hrs. A comparison between methanol & hexane as a process controlling agent is established. In which Cu-GNSs are mixed with methanol or hexane by 10% to study their effects on the tribological properties of Cu-GNSs composite. Their effects on the microstructure & tribological properties of the prepared Cu/Graphene nanocomposites were studied. All results indicated that hexane samples have the more homogeneous microstructure, low porosity, higher wear resistance & coefficient of friction than those of methanol samples. Also, the density is decreased by increasing graphene percent for both groups. For methanol group 0.25wt. recorded the lowest wear rate. and good microstructure while for hexane group 1.00 wt. percentage graphene is the best one.