Synthesis of graphene–aluminium matrix nanocomposites: mechanical and tribological properties

Abstract

The study reports development of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced aluminium-matrix nanocomposites using a stirring-assisted liquid route. Up to 0.5 wt-% of graphene nanoplatelets are used for the synthesis of nanocomposites. Testing and analysis of fabricated composites revealed improved metallurgy, mechanical properties and wear behaviour. Grain refinement action caused by graphene, high hardness, high strength and graphene's self-lubricating nature is reasoned for these improvements. An increase of 56.55% in ultimate tensile strength and 53.39% in microhardness over the base matrix is observed. The fractured surfaces are analysed through a scanning electron microscope to understand the fracture behaviour. The wear resistance of resultant composites is reported at a higher side, decreasing friction coefficient owing to graphene's self-lubricating nature. The impact of heat treatment on the mechanical behaviour of the synthesised composites is examined and discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Nanocomposites
• aluminium
• matrix
• Al 7075
• graphene
• stirring
• casting
• wear

Acknowledgements

The authors received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper.