Preparation and Characterization of Nano TiO2–Hydroquinone-Doped Al Composites and Investigation of Theirs Wear Properties

Abstract

In this study, the preparation of nanoporous-TiO₂-doped Al composites with improved mechanical properties and wear resistance was carried out. For this purpose, nanosized TiO₂ structures were first synthesized using the hydrothermal synthesis method. The size distribution, morphology, and chemical structure of the obtained TiO₂ particles were investigated by particle size analyzer, SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. At the same time, TiO₂ structures containing hydroquinone (Hq) at different rates (5, 10, and 15%) were prepared in order to ensure homogeneous TiO₂ distribution during the formation of Al matrix composites and to prevent oxidation that may occur during composite casting. TiO₂–Al composite structures were obtained by doping the synthesized pure TiO₂ nanoparticles and TiO₂ nanoparticles containing hydroquinone in different ratios to the Al matrix structure. The obtained composite structures were examined structurally by FTIR and XRD spectroscopy techniques. Then, the thermal properties of the composite structures obtained were examined by TGA analysis. Morphological properties, microstructure, and surface elemental distribution of the composite structure were investigated by SEM and EDX techniques. The abrasion properties of the obtained TiO₂ added Al composite structures were investigated using SiC papers (200–400–600 and 800–1200 mesh). As a result, it was observed that the doped TiO₂ nanoparticles reduced surface deformation during abrasion.