Effect of Graphene on Microhardness and Tribological Properties of Nanocomposite Ceramics

Abstract—The effect of mechanical and tribological properties of Al2O3 nanocomposite ceramics depending on the graphene content is studied. The samples are obtained using plasma-spark sintering in the solid state at a temperature of 1550°C. The friction of sintered samples without graphene and with a graphene content of 2 wt % is carried out according to the ball–disk scheme at room temperature without lubrication. It is shown that graphene reduces the coefficient of friction and wear. The dependence of microhardness on graphene content is constructed. The sample with a graphene content of 1% has the highest microhardness.