Investigation on wear and corrosion properties of multi-layered graphene reinforced titanium alloy (Ti64) composite

Purpose The present work is a step forward in developing spark plasma sintered titanium alloy (Ti64) and multilayer graphene (MLG) nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties for industrial applications. This study aims to conduct a detailed experimental investigation of the spark plasma process during the fabrication of Ti64-MLG nanocomposites. It gives an insight into understanding the role of adding MLG in influencing the properties of Ti64. Design/methodology/approach Conducts a detailed parametric analysis of the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process during the fabrication of Ti64-MLG nanocomposites. Experimental runs were designed using the central composite rotatable design approach. Findings Analysis of variance predicted Wt.% of MLG as the significant parameter with a contribution of 54.75 % and 48.72 %, followed by the sintering temperature, contributing 43.44 % and 46.22 % in determining corrosion current density and wear rate, respectively. A minimum wear rate of 14.50 × 10–6 g/m, corresponding to a 54.40 % improvement compared to bare Ti64, is achieved for Ti64-0.8 Wt.% MLG fabricated at 1000 °C. Originality/value Ti64-MLG nanocomposites demonstrating improved wear and corrosion resistance have been developed in this study. Additionally, regression models illustrating the relationship between the output responses, that is, wear rate and corrosion current density of the nanocomposites as a function of input parameters, that is, sintering temperature and Wt.% of MLG, have been established.