Effect of graphene nanoparticle reinforcement on the mechanical properties of ZE41/graphene nanocomposites prepared by stir casting route

Abstract

In the past, aluminium alloys greatly influenced the aerospace, automotive, and medical fields, particularly in biomedical applications. However, in contemporary times, magnesium alloys have emerged as highly promising materials for biomedical applications and casting processes. This study focuses primarily on magnesium metal matrix composites, utilizing ZE41 magnesium alloy as the base material. ZE41 possesses a high ductile nature, excellent mechanical strength, and impressive wear and corrosion resistance properties. In this experimental work, nanographene is employed as reinforcement particles. The investigation employs the stir casting methodology to create magnesium metal matrix nanocomposites. The responses considered in this work are compressive strength and microhardness. Both responses undergo Taguchi statistical analysis with varying process parameters. A Taguchi L16 orthogonal array is utilized to assess the optimization parameters of the stir casting process. The parameters include reinforcement percentage (3, 6, 9, and 12%), stirring speed (300, 400, 500, and 600 rpm), melting temperature (700, 750, 800, and 850 °C), and stirring time (15, 20, 25, and 30 min). The mechanical properties, specifically compressive strength and microhardness, are thoroughly examined. The highest compressive strength, reaching 276.66 MPa, was achieved with 12% reinforcement, a stirring speed of 400 rpm, a melting temperature of 800 °C, and a stirring time of 15 min. Similarly, the maximum microhardness, recorded at 172 VHN, was influenced by 6% reinforcement, a stirring speed of 600 rpm, a melting temperature of 800 °C, and a stirring time of 20 min.