Abstract
Graphene was prepared using liquid phase exfoliation and dispersed in an alumina matrix using an ultrasonication and powder processing route. Al2O3–graphene composites with up to 5vol% content were densified (>99%) using SPS. The fracture toughness of the material increased by 40% with the addition of only 0.8vol% graphene. However for higher graphene contents the improvement in fracture toughness was limited. Graphene changed the mechanism of crack propagation for the alumina matrix from inter-granular to trans-granular. The formation of an inter-connecting graphene network promoted easy fracture for concentration ⩾2vol%. Elastic modulus remained nearly constant for up to 2vol% and decreased significantly for 5vol% due to the formation of the inter-connecting graphene network. Fracture toughness measured with the indentation and chevron notch methods were consistent up to 2vol% and at 5vol% the percolating network of graphene resulted in easy crack propagation with significant discrepancy between the results for the two methods.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
