Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al/Graphene Composite Produced by High-Pressure Torsion

In this work, an Al-matrix composite reinforced by graphene platelets is first fabricated successfully using high-pressure torsion at room temperature. The dispersion of graphene platelets in the matrix is homogeneous. Compared with pure Al and Al-matrix composite reinforced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), significant grain refinement and enhanced mechanical properties are achieved in Al/graphene composite. The enhancement in strength is attributed to grain refinement, load transfer, and Orowan bypass mechanism.