Effect of graphene size variation on mechanical properties of aluminium graphene nanocomposites: A modeling analysis

Abstract

Graphene, as a nano-filler in aluminium (Al) matrix, improves the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and functional properties of Aluminium matrix Graphene nanocomposites (AGNCs). The present work aims to estimate the effect of varying the size of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in AGNCs on mechanical properties. The analysis has been performed for an optimal Gr reinforcement of 1% weight fraction in AGNCs. The size effect of GNPs on the mechanical properties of AGNCs is investigated by dispersing randomly inclined GNPs of diameters 15 nm, 20 nm, 30 nm, and 40 nm inside the Al matrix. These formations are normally difficult to synthesize in experimental studies and remained unexplored. To overcome this difficulty, here-in we are using the Finite Element (FE) technique to investigate the effect. The effective mechanical properties of AGNC have been determined by applying load uniaxially on the representative volume element and by using material properties such as young’s modulus, mass density, poisons ratio, etc. It has been found, that the largest size of GNPs shows a good balance of strength and ductility in NC. Larger sizes GNP AGNC have shown a decrement in strength from 702 MPa to 475 MPa and a significant increase in ductility. The analytical results obtained have been validated with the experimental measurements available in the existing literature and generated AGNC have shown a 50 % increment in yield strength compared to experimental. These NCs are prominent materials to develop lightweight structures for aircraft, automobiles, etc. without compromising strength.