Tribological Behavior of Graphene Reinforced 600 °C High Temperature Titanium Alloy Matrix Composite

Graphene reinforced high temperature titanium matrix composite synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) was prepared from mixed powders of graphene oxide (GO) and 600 °C high temperature titanium alloy (TA29). SEM, EDS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, UMT and SRV tribotester were employed to investigate the microstructure and tribological properties. Microstructural studies indicated that the added graphene oxide was substantially decomposed into graphene during the sintering process and did not cause a significant increase in oxygen content of the TA29 matrix. Graphene was observed to remain after the sintering process and be evenly dispersed in the TA29 matrix. The friction coefficient and wear rate under room temperature and light load were reduced by 15 and 60% respectively, because the graphene dispersed in the matrix was proved to improve the conditions of the frictional interface by self-lubricating effect. The wear rate under high temperature and heavy load was reduced by about 25% for the increasing in the yield strength of graphene reinforced TA29 matrix composite.