Low energy solution ball milling of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced aluminium nanocomposites and its mechanical properties

Abstract

Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) possess outstanding properties which can be utilized to reinforce Al metal for various applications of automotive and aerospace sectors. The major hurdle for real-time applications is the GNPs dispersion in Al matrix which is a challenging task. To address this issue, a combination of processing like solvent dispersion via tip sonication and low energy ball milling at 200 and 300rpm were employed to investigate the GNPs dispersion at various fractions and their effects on final nanocomposite properties. Microstructural analysis of nanocomposite powder was carried out to investigate dispersion analysis. A decrease in relative density with increase in GNPs content showed by all samples. Hardness and wear characterization of the nanocomposite samples were performed. It was found that 0.3wt%GNPs/Al samples has shown maximum increase in hardness (35.61%) and reduce wear rate of (76.68%) than pure Al at 300rpm milling. Finally, GNPs have shown their reinforcing effect by increasing hardness and wear rate by provide effective lubrication.