Preparation of graphene nanosheet/alumina composites by spark plasma sintering

Graphene nanosheet/alumina composite has been prepared by spark plasma sintering. A homogeneous distribution of nanosheets in an alumina matrix could be obtained by the electrostatic attraction between graphite oxide and alumina particles and their subsequent reduction. The introduction of graphene nanosheet leads to refinement of grain size of alumina after hot pressing. The experimental results have shown that the fracture toughness and conductivity of the graphene nanosheet/alumina composite are about 53% and 13 orders of magnitude higher than those of unreinforced alumina material, respectively. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.