Abstract
In this research, an attempt was made to reinforce Silicon Carbide (SiC) Coated Graphene Nano Platelets (SGNP) in SS316L composites through a pressureless sintering technique. By reinforcing xSGNP (x: 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 wt %) into the SS316L matrix material it would be consolidated and sintered in a vacuum. Further microstructural studies and mechanical tests will be carried out. The investigation reveals the effectiveness of SGNP reinforcement in improving the mechanical properties of SS316L composites. The microstructural and elemental composition analysis of composites was carried out by an optical microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive XRay Spectroscopy (EDS). The mechanical properties of SS316L/xSGNP composites were evaluated by using Vickers micro-hardness tester and Pin-on disc wear apparatus. The fine grain structure was observed with the reinforcement of SS316L-SGNP. The hardness of composites drastically increased by 110% compared to monolithic SS316L when increasing the weight percentage of SGNP to 0.5Wt %. The wear rate of 0.5wt % SGNP dropped to 55% compared with SS316L.