Reinforcement with graphene nanosheets in aluminum matrix composites

Graphene has a high fracture strength of 125 GPa, making it an ideal reinforcement for composite materials. Aluminum composites reinforced with graphene nanosheets (GNSs) were fabricated for the first time through a feasible methodology based on flake powder metallurgy. The tensile strength of 249 MPa was achieved in the Al composite reinforced with only 0.3 wt.% GNSs, which is 62% enhancement over the unreinforced Al matrix. The relevant strengthening mechanisms involved in the GNS/Al composites were discussed along with experimental procedure.