Tribological Behavior of AA1050H24-Graphene Nanocomposite Obtained by Friction Stir Processing

The tribological behavior of a new composite material containing graphene nanosheets (GNS) is presented. The composite material was obtained by Friction Stir Processing, using as metallic matrix the AA1050-H24 alloy. Different tool rotation and advancing speeds were tested in friction stir processing (FSP). The worn surfaces of obtained materials were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that graphene reinforcements are successfully mixed into the aluminum matrix. The results proved the feasibility of using GNSs to obtain nanocomposites by FSP. The coefficient of friction of the aluminum alloy was 0.57, decreasing to 0.38 for the nanocomposite GNSs/AA1050. These values decrease for samples obtained at lower tool rotation speeds. The weight losses of the composites are less than that of unreinforced AA1050-H24 alloy for conditions with lower advancing speeds (40 and 60 mm/min) and 1120 rpm