Effect of ultra-high-frequency induction aging on the hardness and dry sliding wear behaviour of graphene-SiC reinforced Al 7xxx hybrid composites
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In this study, Al 7xxx matrix hybrid composites reinforced with 10, 15, and 20 wt% SiC and 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt% graphene were fabricated by powder metallurgy and subjected to conventional and ultra-high-frequency induction system (UHFIS) processing routes. The hybrid composites were evaluated in terms of densification, hardness, microstructure, strengthening mechanisms, and dry sliding wear behaviour. Among the investigated compositions, the 7.1.10 hybrid composite reinforced with 10 wt% SiC and 0.1 wt% graphene provided the most favourable overall combination of relative density and hardness. The relative density of this composition reached 97.22% after conventional aging and 98.30% after induction-assisted aging, while its hardness increased from 100.1 ± 3.50 to 157.2 ± 2.95 HBW. The 7.1.10 hybrid composite exhibited the lowest wear loss under both aging routes, and the specific wear rate decreased by approximately 56%, from 1.304 × 10 −6 to 5.731 × 10 −7 cm 3 /N·m after UHFIS aging. The lowest friction coefficient was obtained in the 7.3.10 hybrid composite, with values of 0.36 after conventional aging and 0.34 after UHFIS aging, which is consistent with a solid-lubricating contribution of graphene during dry sliding. UHFIS reduced the total thermal-processing duration from 900 to 13 min while simultaneously improving hardness, densification, and wear resistance.
Source: Materials & Design
Authors: Büşranur Keser, Gürkan Soy, Selda Kayral
Institution: Manisa Celal Bayar University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
Awards: G1671771149, G370072323
OpenAlex ID: W7204268559