Ameliorating strength-ductility efficiency of graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced aluminum composites via deformation-driven metallurgy

1.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were prepared by deformation-driven metallurgy to ameliorate strength-ductility efficiency. Severe plastic deformation with its frictional/deformation heat introduced by deformation-driven metallurgy was studied by their strengthening-toughing behaviors related to graphene nanoplatelet dispersion, interfacial bonding, and grain refinement. The synergy strengthening behaviors were studied via modeling analysis. Uniform dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets and ultra-fine microstructures (267.0 nm) were obtained via severe plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallization. Highefficiency interfacial bonding was realized via graphene nanoplatelets-(amorphous Al2O3)-Al semi-direct interface without the formation of Al4C3. The automatic flow of Al2O3 nanodots to compensate for the spatial discontinuity caused by the interlayer slip of graphene was observed to achieve self-compensating spatial continuity. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation reached 468 +/- 7 MPa and 19.9 +/- 0.6%, respectively, showing an enhancement of strength by 293.3% with almost no loss in ductility.

Automated summary

1.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were prepared using deformation-driven metallurgy to enhance the strength-ductility efficiency. The study focused on the strengthening-toughening behaviors related to the dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets, interfacial bonding, and grain refinement. Severe plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallization resulted in the uniform dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets and ultra-fine microstructures. The composites showed high-efficiency interfacial bonding and achieved self-compensating spatial continuity through the automatic flow of Al2O3 nanodots.