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A novel method for preparing and characterizing graphene nanoplatelets/aluminum nanocomposites

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Abstract

Graphene nanoplatelets/aluminum (GNPs/Al) nanocomposites were fabricated using a novel two-step method. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Raman, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), EDS mapping, and mechanical testing system (MTS) were applied to characterize the microstructure and mechanical properties of the GNPs/Al nanocomposites. The GNPs were homogeneously dispersed in GNPs/Al nanocomposites, and presented a fine interface behavior and microstructure characteristics. A harmful phase, aluminum carbide (Al4C3), was not observed in significant quantities in the nanocomposite. Compared with pure aluminum, the mechanical properties of the GNPs/Al nanocomposites containing a low volume fraction of GNPs were sharply improved. When 0.5 vol.%, 1.0 vol.%, and 2.0 vol.% GNPs were added to the aluminum matrix, the average compressive strength of GNPs/Al nanocomposites was 297, 345, and 527 MPa, respectively, which remarkably increased the strength over the original aluminum by 330% to 586%.

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Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Nos. 51562027 and 11372100), and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Precision and Micro-Manufacturing Technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang, 330063, China

    Duosheng Li, Yin Ye & Xiaojun Liao

  2. Research School of Engineering, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia

    Qing H. Qin

Authors
  1. Duosheng Li
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  2. Yin Ye
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  3. Xiaojun Liao
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  4. Qing H. Qin
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Correspondence to Duosheng Li.

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Li, D., Ye, Y., Liao, X. et al. A novel method for preparing and characterizing graphene nanoplatelets/aluminum nanocomposites. Nano Res. 11, 1642–1650 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-017-1779-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-017-1779-9

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