METAL-GRAPHENE NANO-COMPOSITES WITH ENHANCED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Metal-graphene nanocomposites having low volume/weight fractions of graphene inclusions possess excellent mechanical hardness and strength. However, the manufacturing of metal-graphene nanocomposites for high strength, hardness, and elastic properties is in its infancy stage. In recent times, introducing secondary phase reinforcement particles into the metal structure to improve the mechanical properties of the structure has been of great interest. Many researchers across the globe have employed this approach to enhance the mechanical properties of the composites, these include tensile strength, compression strength, elastic modulus, hardness and toughness. These research efforts have led to highly desirable output, while the development of facile and cost-effective manufacturing methods for metal composites is still an unsolved issue. In this paper, the main objectives are to examine graphene as a new reinforcing material for metal nanocomposites and investigate its effects on the mechanical properties of these composites. Certain factors must be considered during the manufacturing phase of graphene-reinforced composites to achieve excellent mechanical strength of the material, these include surface and high aspect ratio, strong binding property with metal matrix after inclusion and uniform dispersion of graphene nanofillers in the matrix to further prevent agglomeration. We conclude that graphene reinforcement has better strengthening effect in the metal-graphene composites than the combined effects of the nano-layered structure. Hence, implantation of graphene platelets and sheets of few layers in metallic matrices is the latest and very efficient technique to produce metallic materials with exceptional mechanical properties.