Effect of graphene nanoplates on the mechanical and corrosion properties of aluminium nanocomposite fabricated by powder metallurgy

Abstract

The focus of the present work is to develop an aluminium metal matrix nanocomposite reinforced with graphene nanoplates (GNP). This study examines the effect of adding a small quantity of GNP on the mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of the composites. The powder metallurgy approach was employed to fabricate a range of Al/GNP composites, and each of these composites was developed using a different proportion of GNP, ranging from 0 to 0.6 wt. %. The XRD line profile investigations of pure Al and composites were performed to identify the presence of GNP in the composites. Physical and mechanical properties, followed by corrosion resistance, are examined. Micro Vickers hardness and a compression test were conducted to determine the mechanical properties. The corrosion test of the composites was performed using potentiostat. Experimental results reveal that the composite has a noticeable advantage over pure aluminium in terms of hardness, compressive strength and corrosion resistance.

Keywords

• aluminium
• nanocomposite
• powder metallurgy
• mechanical properties
• corrosion