Zr3O-ZrC/graphene strengthened layer directly prepared on the surface of metal Zr by plasma heat treatment

Abstract

Zr3O-ZrC/graphene composite layer was directly in-situ grown on the surface of Zr foil by plasma heat treatment method. The microstructure and component of the as-prepared sample were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrum and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hardness was both characterized by micro hardness tester and nanoindentor. The results show that the composite layer was uniformly distributed on the surface of Zr foil. The surface hardness values of pure Zr foil and Zr/Zr3O-ZrC/graphene composite were 195 HV and 639 HV, respectively. The surface hardness of the TiC/graphene layer can be signi?cantly increased 3.2 times as that of the pure Zr foil surface. Nanoindentor results showed the signi?cantly improved surface hardness could be attributed to the Zr3O-ZrC layers. This study provides a particular heat treatment process for significant reinforcement of Zr and its alloys, and showing its great potential application for the future .

Keywords

• metal zr
• surface reinforcement
• plasma
• zrc
• graphene