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Graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

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Abstract

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 (Al4C3) 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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China

    Wen-ming Tian, Song-mei Li, Bo Wang, Xin Chen, Jian-hua Liu & Mei Yu

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  1. Wen-ming Tian
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  2. Song-mei Li
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  3. Bo Wang
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  4. Xin Chen
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  5. Jian-hua Liu
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Correspondence to Song-mei Li.

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Tian, Wm., Li, Sm., Wang, B. et al. Graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering. Int J Miner Metall Mater 23, 723–729 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1286-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1286-0

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