Microstructure and wear resistance of graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Graphene has excellent mechanical and physical properties that make it ideal for use as reinforcement nanofillers in aluminum matrix nanocomposites. This paper reports on the preparation of graphene-reinforced Al matrix composites by hot-press sintering at different temperatures using graphene uniformly dispersed into Al powder by ball milling. The as-prepared composite samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the mechanical properties of composite samples were evaluated by microhardness and wear testing at room temperature. The results demonstrate that interfacial reactions do not occur between Al and graphene particles during the hot-press sintering process. The composite obtained at a sintering temperature of 600 °C was dense, the graphene was uniformly distributed, and the composite exhibited good hardness and wear resistance at room temperature. The wear loss of the composite is mainly caused by microcutting abrasion.