Evaluation of nanomechanical and nanoscratch response of Inconel 718 reinforced with graphene nanoplates produced by combined ARB-GTAW processes

An attempt was made to produce graphene reinforced Inconel 718 composite by new combining accumulative roll bonding (ARB) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The phase composition analysis and wear behavior of the composite were assessed. The microstructure characterization was studied by Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results display that integrating ARB with GTAW can be consider as a suitable way to yield superalloy-based composite with enhanced tribological behavior due to carbide and carbonitride formation formed from decomposition of graphene nanoplates (GNPs). The elastic modulus and hardness were initial recorded by nanoindentation and then used to attain the yield stress, and subsequently for characterizing flow behavior parameters like n and K. The obtained results exposed that the load–displacement curve acquired from nanoindentation and Nanoscratching has an excellent potential to investigate microscopic behavior of particle based composites. Evaluation of scratch mechanisms in composite specimens presented that the key failure in specimens are due to tensile state Hertzian cracks. Though, as the applied load rises, the specimen undertakes increasing incremental plastic deformation and failures change to interfacial spallation.