Graphene NanoPlatelets reinforced tantalum carbide consolidated by spark plasma sintering

Graphene NanoPlatelets (GNP) reinforced tantalum carbide composites are synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at processing conditions of 1850 degrees C and 80-100 MPa. The GNP addition enhances the densification of TaC-GNP composites to 99% theoretical density, while reducing the grain size by over 60% through grain wrapping mechanism. Survival and structure retention of GNP is confirmed through scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Nanoindentation and high load (20-30 N) microindentation are utilized to evaluate elastic modulus and hardness. GNP improves fracture toughness of TaC by up to 99% through toughening mechanisms such as GNP bending, sheet sliding, cracking bridging, and crack deflection. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.