Tribological and Corrosion Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Reinforced Aluminium Zinc Magnesium Alloy-Based Nanohybrid Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Present study focuses on the fabrication and evaluation of graphene nanoplatelets and titanium dioxide nano powder-reinforced aluminium-zinc-magnesium alloy-based nanohybrid metal matrix composites using the cost-effective and scalable stir casting technique with the objective to enhance tribological performance and corrosion resistance. The tribological properties were evaluated under 10 and 20 N loads at 300 and 600 rpm conditions. Wear and coefficient of friction shows significant improvement. Minimum wear is reported in 2% graphene nanoplatelets and 3% titanium dioxide samples at 10 N and 300 rpm conditions, whereas coefficient of friction is minimum in the same composition at 20 N 600 rpm conditions having values of 0.0016 mm³ min^–1 and 0.28 respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed wear mechanisms at 10 and 20 N loads, showcasing reduced wear scars and smoother surfaces in higher reinforced composites. Minimum surface roughness observed is 1.71 µm. Corrosion resistance was also notably enhanced, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images analysis of corroded surfaces. The lowest corrosion rate observed is 0.83 mmpy at 2% graphene nanoplatelets and 3% titanium dioxide reinforced sample. Artificial neural networks and multiple linear regression were employed, showing excellent correlation with experimental data for accurate property predictions. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of present reinforcements substantially improves wear resistance, lowers friction coefficient, and mitigates corrosion in saline environments.