Mechanical Property and Corrosion Behavior of Powder-Metallurgy-Processed 3D Graphene-Networks-Reinforced Al Matrix Composites

Three-dimensional graphene networks (3DGN) have the potential to be used as a reinforcement for aluminum matrix composites due to their unique wrinkled structure and cost-effectiveness. In this work, the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of 3DGN in Al matrix were systematically investigated. 3DGN/Al composites with weight ratios of 0, 0.075, 0.150, 0.225, and 0.300 3DGN were prepared by powder metallurgy following by ball mill and spark plasma sintering. Results revealed that the densification of 3DGN/Al composites slightly decreases with the increase of 3DGN content. Increased hardness without loss of ductility was recorded compared to the pure aluminum sample prepared under the same experimental conditions. 3DGN/Al composites exhibit higher corrosion currents density than that of pure aluminum, which shows that the addition of 3DGN reinforcement aggravates the corrosion of aluminum. This study can be used as a reference for future research on the effect of graphene on the various properties of graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites.

Automated summary

Three-dimensional graphene networks (3DGN) can be used as reinforcement for aluminum matrix composites due to their unique wrinkled structure and cost-effectiveness. This study investigates the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of 3DGN in Al matrix. Results show that the densification of 3DGN/Al composites slightly decreases with increasing 3DGN content. Additionally, the addition of 3DGN aggravates the corrosion of aluminum compared to pure aluminum. This study provides a reference for future research on graphene-reinforced aluminum matrix composites.