Synergistic effect of graphene nanoplatelets and titanium dioxide nanopowder-reinforced aluminium nanohybrid composites on mechanical properties

Abstract

Due to their effectiveness, lightweight materials have gained international attention in recent decades, with industrial sectors being the primary users of them. Metal matrix composites with nanohybrid reinforcement are a unique composite system combination that enhances the material’s mechanical qualities. In the present article, the mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2)-reinforced aluminium 7075 alloy are discussed with varying weight percentages of reinforcements prepared by the stir casting technique. 1 wt.% GNP with and 3 wt.% TiO2-reinforced composites show optimum properties within the range of reinforcement studied, with a 71.9% increment in tensile strength and an 86.6% improvement in microhardness observed; however, elongation is decreased by 31.7% in contrast to the base alloy. Maximum toughness is found to be in 0.5 wt.% GNP with 1 wt.% TiO2-reinforced nanohybrid composites. XRD results show phase analysis. SEM analysis of the fractured surface reveals a mixture of ductile and brittle fractures.