China makes graphene reinforced aluminum up to 58% stronger than regular aluminum alloys

Graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix nanocomposites were successfully synthesized through ball milling and powder metallurgy. The tensile strength and yield strength of graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix nanocomposites are remarkably enhanced by adding graphene nanoflakes(GNFs). Importantly, the ductility properties are remained excellently, which is firstly found in the second phase reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites. The microstructures were observed by OM, SEM and TEM method. And the tensile properties were tested.The results show that graphene nanoflakes are effectively dispersed and well consolidate with aluminum matrix, however, chemical reactions are not observed. The original structured characteristics of graphene nanoflakes are preserved very well. The average tensile strength and yield strength of nanocomposite are 454MPa and 322MPa, respectively,which are 25% and 58% higher than the pristine aluminum alloy at a nanofiller mass fraction of 0.3%, while the ductility increases slightly. The relevant mechanisms of strengthening and toughening enhancement are discussed on the base of 2D and wrinkled structured properties of graphene nanoflakes.

The tensile strength and yield strength of graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix nanocomposites are remarkably enhanced by adding graphene nanoflakes (GNFs), they reported in their paper in the Journal of Materials Engineering.

Importantly, the ductility properties are remained excellently, which is firstly found in the second phase reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites. The microstructures were observed by OM, SEM and TEM method. … The results show that graphene nanoflakes are effectively dispersed and well consolidate with aluminum matrix, however, chemical reactions are not observed. The original structured characteristics of graphene nanoflakes are preserved very well. The relevant mechanisms of strengthening and toughening enhancement are discussed on the base of 2D and wrinkled structured properties of graphene nanoflakes.