Fabrication of Graphene Reinforced Aluminum Composite by Semi-Solid Processing

A composite made of graphene and aluminum is a promising material for many engineering applications due to its lightweight and relatively high strength properties. Unfortunately, the uniform dispersion of the graphene is considered one of the big challenges since the graphene clusters tend to deteriorate the mechanical properties of the composite. In this study, a graphene reinforced Al6061 composite has been investigated. The composites are fabricated by ball milling the graphene flakes and the Al6061 powder, followed by hot compaction in the semi-solid regime of the Al6061. In addition, a graphene reinforced composite with localized reinforced zones within the composite was also investigated The mechanical properties of the composites are measured by conducting a bend test, and microstructural analysis of the composite and fracture surfaces are performed. According to the bending test results, an enhancement in the strength is clearly observed.

Effect of Mechanical Alloying on Al6061-Graphene Composite Fabricated by Semi-Solid Powder Processing

Graphene is a promising material as a reinforcing element for high-strength, lightweight metal composites due to its extraordinary mechanical properties and low density. In this study, Al6061–graphene composite was investigated with 1.0 wt.% graphene reinforcement. The graphene was manufactured by the modified Brodie’s method. The Al6061 powder and graphene flakes were ball milled at different milling times (10, 30, 60, and 90 min). The composite was then synthesized by hot compaction in the semi-solid regime of the Al6061. Three point bending test was performed to characterize the mechanical properties of the composites. The ball milled powder and the fracture surfaces of the composites were investigated using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were compared with a reference Al6061 without any graphene reinforcement. For the Al6061-1.0 wt.% graphene composites, a maximum enhancement of 47% in the flexural strength was observed when compared with the reference Al6061 processed at the same condition.