Microstructural Analysis and Mechanical Properties of Pure Al–GNPs Composites by Stir Casting Method

Abstract

The present investigation deals with the microstructural and mechanical properties of pure aluminium graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) composites. The contents of GNPs were varied from 0.50 to 2 wt% in pure aluminium matrix. The composites fabrication was done through stir casting technique, and the investigations revealed that pure Al–0.5% GNPs composite displayed better mechanical properties in comparison with pure Al–1% GNPs, 1.5% GNPs and 2% GNPs composites for tensile strength and hardness test. The SEM, fractographic analysis, XRD and TEM analyses were examined to investigate the surface morphology, and phase analysis confirms that there is a uniform distribution of GNPs in the base matrix (pure Al) and results in low porosity. This leads to a considerable improvement in the mechanical properties of pure Al–0.5% GNPs compared to other weight percentages due to high surface area and curled nature of graphene and makes it potential for diverse applications.