Direct deposition of graphene nanowalls on ceramic powders for the fabrication of a ceramic matrix composite

Uniform mixing of ceramic powder and graphene is of great importance for producing ceramic matrix composite. In this study, graphene nanowalls(GNWs) are directly deposited on the surface of Al2 O3 and Si3 N4 powders using chemical vapor deposition system to realize the uniform mixing. The morphology and the initial stage of the growth process are investigated. It is found that the graphitic base layer is initially formed parallel to the powder surface and is followed by the growth of graphene nanowalls perpendicular to the surface. Moreover, the lateral length of the graphene sheet could be well controlled by tuning the growth temperature. GNWs/Al2 O3 powder is consolidated by using sparking plasma sintering method and several physical properties are measured. Owing to the addition of GNWs, the electrical conductivity of the bulk alumina is significantly increased.

Advances in graphene reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites:Mechanisms,processing,modelling,properties and applications

Graphene has been extensively explored to enhance functional and mechanical properties of metalmatrix nanocomposites for wide-range applications due to their superior mechanical,electrical and thermal properties.This article discusses recent advances of key mechanisms,synthesis,manufacture,modelling and applications of graphene metal matrix nanocomposites.The main strengthening mechanisms include load transfer,Orowan cycle,thermal mismatch,and refinement strengthening.Synthesis technologies are discussed including some conventional methods(such as liquid metallurgy,powdermetallurgy,thermal spraying and deposition technology)and some advanced processing methods(such as molecular-level mixing and friction stir processing).Analytical modelling(including phenomenological models,semi-empirical models,homogenization models,and self-consistent model)and numerical simulations(including finite elements method,finite difference method,and boundary element method)have been discussed for understanding the interface bonding and performance characteristics between graphene and different metal matrices(Al,Cu,Mg,Ni).Key challenges in applying graphene as a reinforcing component for the metal matrix composites and the potential solutions as well as prospectives of future development and opportunities are highlighted.

Graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Graphene-reinforced 7055 aluminum alloy composites with different contents of graphene were prepared by spark plasma sintering（SPS）. The structure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Testing results show that the hardness, compressive strength, and yield strength of the composites are improved with the addition of 1wt% graphene. A clean, strong interface is formed between the metal matrix and graphene via metallurgical bonding on atomic scale. Harmful aluminum carbide（Al_4C_3） is not formed during SPS processing. Further addition of graphene（above 1wt%） results in the deterioration in mechanical properties of the composites. The agglomeration of graphene plates is exacerbated with increasing graphene content, which is the main reason for this deterioration.

Mechanical and corrosion properties of graphene nanoplatelet–reinforced Mg–Zr and Mg–Zr–Zn matrix nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Magnesium(Mg)-based biomaterials have gained acceptability in fracture fixation due to their ability to naturally degrade in the body after fulfilling the desired functions.However,pure Mg not only degrades rapidly in the physiological environment,but also evolves hydrogen gas during degradation.In this study,Mg0.5Zr and Mg0.5ZrxZn(x=1–5 wt.%)matrix nanocomposites(MNCs)reinforced with different contents(0.1–0.5 wt.%)of graphene nanoplatelets(GNP)were manufactured via a powder metallurgy technique and their mechanical and corrosion properties were evaluated.The increase in GNP concentration from 0.2 wt.%to 0.5 wt.%added to Mg0.5Zr matrices resulted in decreases in the compressive yield strength and corrosion resistance in Hanks’Balanced Salt Solution(HBSS).On the other hand,a higher concentration(4–5 wt.%)of Zn added to Mg0.5Zr0.1GNP resulted in an increase in ductility but a decrease in compressive yield strength.Overall,an addition of 0.1 wt.%GNPs to Mg0.5Zr3Zn matrices gave excellent ultimate compressive strength(387 MPa)and compressive yield strength(219 MPa).Mg0.5Zr1Zn0.1GNP and Mg0.5Zr3Zn0.1GNP nanocomposites exhibited 29%and 34%higher experimental yield strength,respectively,as compared to the theoretical yield strength of Mg0.5Zr0.1GNP calculated by synergistic strengthening mechanisms including the difference in thermal expansion,elastic modulus,and geometry of the particles,grain refinement,load transfer,and precipitation of GNPs in the Mg matrices.The corrosion rates of Mg0.5Zr1Zn0.1GNP,Mg0.5Zr3Zn0.1GNP,Mg0.5Zr4Zn0.1GNP,and Mg0.5Zr5Zn0.1GNP measured using potentiodynamic polarization were 7.5 mm/y,4.1 mm/y,6.1 mm/y,and 8.0 mm/y,respectively.Similarly,hydrogen gas evolution tests also demonstrated that Mg0.5Zr3Zn0.1GNP exhibited a lower corrosion rate(1.5 mm/y)than those of Mg0.5Zr1Zn0.1GNP(3.8 mm/y),Mg0.5Zr4Zn0.1GNP(1.9 mm/y),and Mg0.5Zr5Zn0.1GNP(2.2 mm/y).This study demonstrates the potential of GNPs as effective nano-reinforcement particulates for improving the mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg–Zr–Zn matrices.

Fabrication of homogeneously dispersed graphene/Al composites by solution mixing and powder metallurgy

Graphene-reinforced aluminum （AI） matrix composites were successfully prepared via solution mixing and powder metallurgy in this study. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied using microhardness and tensile tests. Compared to the pure Al alloy, the graphene/Al composites showed increased strength and hardness. A tensile strength of 255 MPa was achieved for the graphene/Al com- posite with only 0.3wt% graphene, which has a 25% increase over the tensile strength of the pure Al matrix. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the morphol- ogies, chemical compositions, and microstructures of the graphene and the graphene/A1 composites. On the basis of fractographic evidence, a relevant fracture mechanism is proposed.

Mechanical Properties of Boron Carbide/Reducedgraphene-oxide Composites Ceramics

Reduced graphene oxide(rGO)enhanced B_(4)C ceramics was prepared by SPS sintering,the enhancement effect of rGO on the microstructure and mechanical properties of composites was studied through experiments and numerical simulation.The results show that the composite with 2wt%rGO has the best comprehensive mechanical properties.Compared with pure boron carbide,vickers hardness and bending strength are increased by 4.8%and 21.96%,respectively.The fracture toughness is improved by 25.71%.The microstructure observation shows that the improvement of mechanical properties is mainly attributed to the pullout and bridge mechanism of rGO and the crack deflection.Based on the cohesive force finite element method,the dynamic crack growth process of composites was simulated.The energy dissipation of B_(4)C/rGO multiphase ceramics during crack propagation was calculated and compared with that of pure boron carbide ceramics.The results show that the fracture energy dissipation can be effectively increased by adding graphene.

Influence of tool rotation speeds on mechanical and morphological properties of friction stir processed nano hybrid composite of MWCNT-Graphene-AZ31 magnesium

The ever-increasing demand for light weighted hard materials for transportation industries encouraged researchers to develop composites with excellent mechanical properties which can transform it into more economical and eco-friendly.Reinforcing the metals with carbonaceous nanomaterials are progressively in focus due to their excellent capability to inculcate and tailor the properties of MMCs.In the present research,a hybrid nanocomposite of MWCNT-Graphene-AZ31 Mg alloy has been developed by using variable tool rotation speeds with friction stir processing(FSP).Optimized reinforcement ratio of 1.6%vol.MWCNT and 0.3%vol.of graphene have been used with variable tool rotation speeds,whereas other processing parameters are kept constant.The developed specimens were investigated using standard testing equipment for evaluating and comparing the mechanical properties on the basis of the microstructure of the processing regions and their morphological analysis,according to the ASTM standards.The obtained results revealed an improvement of 19.72%in microhardness and 77.5% of compressive strength in comparison with the base metal AZ 31 Magnesium alloy,with a tool rotational speed of 1400rpm.The values of tensile stress and percentage area reduction were recorded as less than that of the base metal matrix,but an increasing trend has been observed in the values of both with the improvement on rotational speeds of the tool.The effectual strengthening mechanisms are analyzed on the bases of SEM images and observed that discussed and found that grain refinement strengthening is the major contributor to the strength of the nanocomposite.

Corrosion Behavior of Graphene Nanosheets Reinforced Magnesium Matrix Composites in Simulated Body Fluids

Magnesium(Mg)alloy is considered as a promising biodegradable implant material but restricted to rapid degradation.Here,the new strategies based on thixomolding process had been explored to utilize the outstanding anti-permeability of graphene nanosheets(GNPs)while inhibit its galvanic corrosion with the matrix,so as to improve the corrosion resistance of composites.The agglomerate of GNPs with 0.9 wt%content is the main reason for the deterioration of corrosion performance due to the formation of micro-galvanic corrosion.The grain refinement of composites with 0.6 wt%content had positive effects on the better corrosion resistance.After process adjusting,the unique distributions of GNPs along grain boundaries play a vital role in improving the corrosion resistance.It can be ascribed to the following mechanisms:(I)The barriers can be established between the Mg matrix and corrosive medium,hence blocking the charge transfer at the interface;(II)The GNPs can effectively promote apatite deposition on the Mg matrix,leading to form dense apatite layers and prevent the further invasion of SBF;(III)The GNPs acting as reinforcements exists in the corrosion layer and apatite layer,impede the apatite layer falling off from the Mg matrix.These findings broaden the horizon for biomedical applications in Mg matrix composites to realize desired performances.

Research progress on the characterization and repair of graphene defects

Graphene has excellent theoretical properties and a wide range of applications in metal-based composites. However, because of defects on the graphene surface, the actual performance of the material is far below theoretical expectations. In addition, graphene containing defects could easily react with a matrix alloy, such as Al, to generate brittle and hydrolyzed phases that could further reduce the performance of the resulting composite. Therefore, defect repair is an important area of graphene research. The repair methods reported in the present paper include chemical vapor deposition, doping, liquid-phase repair, external energy graphitization, and alloying. Detailed analyses and comparisons of these methods are carried out, and the characterization methods of graphene are introduced. The mechanism, research value, and future outlook of graphene repair are also discussed at length. Graphene defect repair mainly relies on the spontaneous movement of C atoms or heteroatoms to the pore defects under the condition of applied energy. The repair degree and mechanism of graphene repair are also different according to different preparations. The current research on graphene defect repair is still in its infancy, and it is believed that the problem of defect evolution will be explained in more depth in the future.

Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of Cu-SnO_2-rGO based Composites Prepared by Plasma Activated Sintering

A novel chemical technique combined with unique plasma activated sintering（PAS） was utilized to prepare consolidated copper matrix composites（CMCs） by adding Cu-SnO2-rGO layered micro powders as reinforced fillers into Cu matrix. The repeating Cu-SnO2-rGO structure was composed of inner dispersed reduced graphene oxide（r GO）, SnO2 as intermedia and outer Cu coating. SnO2 was introduced to the surface of rGO sheets in order to prevent the graphene aggregation with SnO2 serving as spacer and to provide enough active sites for subsequent Cu deposition. This process can guarantee rGO sheets to suffi ciently disperse and Cu nanoparticles to tightly and uniformly anchor on each layer of rGO by means of the SnO2 active sites as well as strictly control the reduction speed of Cu^2＋. The complete cover of Cu nanoparticles on rGO sheets thoroughly avoids direct contact among rGO layers. Hence, the repeating structure can simultaneously solve the wettability problem between rGO and Cu matrix as well as improve the bonding strength between rGO and Cu matrix at the well-bonded Cu-SnO2-rGO interface. The isolated rGO can effectively hinder the glide of dislocation at Cu-rGO interface and support the applied loads. Finally, the compressive strength of CMCs was enhanced when the strengthening effi ciency reached up to 41.

热处理对GNP-Al复合材料显微组织和性能的影响

本文以石墨烯为增强相,采用高能超声辅助铸造法及后续热处理制备了铝基复合材料,并研究石墨烯和热处理对复合材料显微组织、力学性能和耐磨性能的影响。结果表明,石墨烯促进了复合材料晶粒细化,且热处理后Si相进一步细化及圆整。经热处理后复合材料的屈服强度和抗拉强度(245和319MPa)比基体(119和202MPa)分别提高了105.9%、57.9%。磨损试验结果表明,添加石墨烯和T6热处理后复合材料的磨损率最低,磨损机制由剥层磨损转变为磨粒磨损。

Tribological properties of copper matrix composites reinforced with homogeneously dispersed graphene nanosheets

Graphene reinforced copper matrix composites （Gr/Cu） were fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly and powder metallurgy. The morphology and structure of graphene oxide, graphene oxide-Cu powders and Gr/Cu composites were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The effects of graphene contents, applied loads and sliding speeds on the tribological behavior of the composites were investigated. The results indicate that the coefficient of friction of the composites decreases first and then increases with increasing the graphene content. The lowest friction coefficient is achieved in 0.3 wt~ Gr/Cu composite, which decreases by 65% compared to that of pure copper. The coefficient of friction of the composite does not have significant change with increasing the applied load, however, it increases with increasing the sliding speed. The tribological mechanisms of the composite under different conditions were also investigated.

Improved mechanical properties in titanium matrix composites reinforced with quasi-continuously networked graphene nanosheets and in-situ formed carbides

In order to construct quasi-continuously networked reinforcement in titanium(Ti)matrix composites,in this study,Ti-6 Al-4 V spherical powders were uniformly coated with a graphene nanosheet(GNS)layer by high energy ball milling and then consolidated by spark plasma sintering.Results showed that the GNS layer on the powder surface inhibited continuous metallurgy bonding between powders during sintering,which led to the formation of quasi-networked hybrid reinforcement structure consisting of insitu Ti C and remained GNSs.The networked GNSs/Ti64 composite possessed noticeably higher tensile strength but similar ductility to the Ti64 alloy,leading to both better tensile strength and ductility than the GNSs/Ti composite with randomly dispersed GNSs and Ti C.The formation mechanism and the fracture mechanism of the networked hybrid reinforcement were discussed.The results provided a method to fabricate Ti matrix composites with high strength and good ductility.

Recent progress in ceramic matrix composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets

Graphene nanoplatelets(GNPs)are considered to be one of the most promising new reinforcements due to their unique two-dimensional structure and remarkable mechanical properties.In addition,their impressive electrical and thermal properties make them attractive fillers for producing multifunctional ceramics with a wide range of applications.This paper reviews the current status of the research and development of graphene-reinforced ceramic matrix composite(CMC)materials.Firstly,we focused on the processing methods for effective dispersion of GNPs throughout ceramic matrices and the reduction of the porosity of CMC products.Then,the microstructure and mechanical properties are provided,together with an emphasis on the possible toughening mechanisms that may operate.Additionally,the unique functional properties endowed by GNPs,such as enhanced electrical/thermal conductivity,are discussed,with a comprehensive comparison in different ceramic matrices as oxide and nonoxide composites.Finally,the prospects and problems needed to be solved in GNPs-reinforced CMCs are discussed.

Effect of multilayer graphene/nano-Fe2O3 composite additions on dry sliding wear behavior of titanium matrix composites

The wear tests of titanium matrix composites(TMCs)at the loads of 50,100,120,and 150 N were carried out with an MMW-1 vertical universal friction and wear tester to study the addition of multilayer graphene(MLG)/nano-Fe2O3 composites(0,0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4,and 0.5 g)on the dry sliding wear behavior of TMCs.TMCs presented a marked variation in wear loss as a function of the amount of MLG/Fe2O3 addition,and a significant decrease in the friction coefficient was obtained,reducing this parameter up to 50%.With the rise and fall of wear loss,TMCs underwent a transition from severe wear to mild wear.These phenomena were attributed to the existence of a protective lubricating film,which prevented the surface from coming in direct contact,and the lubricating film was 15-20μm thick and made up of MLG/Fe2O3(1:2)nanocomposites.Its structure was speculated to be similar to a rolling wood.

Recent progress in graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Recent years witnessed a growing research interest in graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites(GRAMCs).Compared with conventionalreinforcements of aluminum matrix composites(AMCs),graphene possesses manyattractive characteristics such as extremely high strength and modulus,unique self-lubricating property,high thermal conductivity(TC)and electrical conductivity(EC),andlow coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE).A lot of studies have demonstrated that theincorporation of graphene into Al or Al alloy can effectively enhance mechanical andphysical properties of the Al matrix.The purpose of this work is aimed to trace recentdevelopment of GRAMCs.Initially,this paper covers a brief overview of fabricationmethods of GRAMCs.Then,mechanical,tribological,thermal and electrical properties ofrecently developed GRAMCs are presented and discussed.Finally,challenges andcorresponding solutions related to GRAMCs are reviewed.

石墨烯增强金属基复合材料界面研究进展

金属基复合材料是由高强度增强相与金属基体组成,因具备优良的综合性能,在各领域内展现出广阔的应用潜力。与常规增强相不同,石墨烯是一种由碳原子以sp^(2)杂化轨道组成六角呈蜂巢状晶格的二维碳纳米材料,因其独特的结构而具有优异的电学、力学、热学和光学等特性。石墨烯增强金属基复合材料已经成为先进复合材料领域的研究热点,而对于金属基复合材料,其综合性能与界面的结构和性质关联密切。从近年来石墨烯增强金属基复合材料界面微观组织及理论研究出发,对常见石墨烯增强金属基复合材料体系的界面结构及力学性能进行总结,同时总结计算机模拟手段在分析界面结构、界面结合强度以及界面微观断裂机制等方面的进展,为设计和优化金属基复合材料界面提供理论依据。

GO/Ti基复合材料界面性质的第一性原理研究

目的研究氧化石墨烯在继承石墨烯优异性能的同时,是否会因为官能团的存在而影响复合材料界面的结合方式,抑制脆性相TiC的产生,解决石墨烯作为增强体时易发生界面反应从而影响材料塑韧性的问题。方法根据(0001)_(Ti)∥(0001)_(GO)、[2110]_(Ti)∥[1010]_(GO)界面位向关系,建立了Ti/氧化石墨烯/Ti共格界面模型。采用第一性原理计算方法从电子原子尺度研究了环氧基和羟基对Ti/氧化石墨烯/Ti界面黏附功、界面能、原子结构和电子结构的影响。结果环氧基和羟基都会使界面黏附功变大,界面能减小,形成结合更强、更稳定的界面,其中环氧基的贡献更大。官能团附近的Ti原子与氧化石墨烯中C原子的结合能力减弱。在形成界面时,氧化石墨烯被还原,环氧基和羟基中的O原子与Ti基体会发生反应生成固溶体,羟基中的H原子可能保持与O原子之间的相互作用,也可能会脱离O原子的束缚与Ti基体有相互作用。结论当氧化石墨烯和Ti基体形成界面时,氧化石墨烯的官能团会固溶在Ti基体中,抑制界面产物脆性相TiC的产生,石墨烯的片层结构更容易被保留,形成界面结合更好的复合材料。

壳核结构氧化铝@石墨烯复合粉末增强铜基复合材料摩擦学性能研究

如何充分发挥润滑组元和耐磨组元的协同作用以提高铜基复合材料摩擦学性能仍面临具大的挑战。以石墨烯为润滑组元,氧化铝为耐磨组元,对比了氧化铝和石墨烯组装为壳核结构前后对铜基复合材料摩擦学性能的影响。结果表明,与氧化铝和石墨烯分别以独立相分布于铜基体的情况相比,氧化铝和石墨烯组装为壳核结构后可以提高铜基复合材料的致密度、硬度,并有利于在磨痕表面形成连续且具有保护性的摩擦层。因此,在10~40 N载荷范围内干摩擦,后者比前者具有更低的摩擦因数和磨损率。

石墨烯化学镀铜对放电等离子烧结石墨烯增强铝基复合材料组织和性能的影响

通过化学镀方法得到镀铜石墨烯粉末,再通过静电自组装方法将镀铜石墨烯粉末与铝粉混合,然后经放电等离子烧结工艺制备镀铜石墨烯增强铝基复合材料,研究了不同质量分数(0.1%,0.2%,0.3%,0.4%,0.5%)镀铜石墨烯增强铝基复合材料的微观结构和性能,并与质量分数0.1%未镀铜石墨烯增强铝基复合材料进行对比。结果表明:镀铜石墨烯在复合材料中分散均匀,复合材料的相对密度均在99%以上;铝和铜发生反应生成了中间相Al_(2)Cu,但未有Al_(4)C_(3)界面相生成;镀铜石墨烯增强铝基复合材料的硬度和耐磨性能均优于未镀铜石墨烯增强铝基复合材料;随着镀铜石墨烯含量的增加,复合材料的硬度先升高后降低,磨损质量损失和摩擦因数均呈先减小后增加的趋势。当镀铜石墨烯的质量分数为0.2%时,复合材料具有优异的综合性能,其硬度为74.7 HV,磨损质量损失和摩擦因数均最小,分别为0.0023 g和0.259,磨损机制为氧化磨损。