The reinforcement mechanisms of graphene oxide in laser-directed energy deposition fabricated metal and ceramic matrix composites: a comparison study

Abstract

Carbon-based nanomaterials mainly including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and graphene oxide (GO) have superior properties of low density, outstanding strength, and high hardness. Compared with ceramic reinforcements, small amount of carbon-based nanomaterials can significantly improve the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs) and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). However, CNTs and graphite always aggregate or degrade during the fabrication with a high temperature, especially in MMCs. GO has the advantages of easier to be dispersed in other materials and better high-temperature stability. Laser-directed energy deposition (DED) has been used to fabricate GO-MMCs and GO-CMCs due to the unique capabilities of coating, remanufacturing, and producing functionally graded materials. Laser DED, as a fusion manufacturing process, could fully melt the material powders, which could refine the microstructure and increase the density and mechanical properties. However, GO could react with matrix materials at high temperatures. The survival, degradation, and reactions of GO in laser DED fabricated GO-MMCs and GO-CMCs are still unknown. There is also no investigation on the reinforcement mechanisms of GO in metal matrix materials and ceramic matrix materials in the laser DED process. In this study, GO-reinforced Ti (GO-Ti) and GO-reinforced zirconia toughened alumina (GO-ZTA) parts were fabricated by laser DED process. Raman spectrum, XRD analysis, and EDS analysis have been applied to investigate the forms of GO in both DED fabricated GO-MMCs and GO-CMCs. The reinforcement mechanisms of GO on microhardness and compressive properties of MMCs and CMCs have been analyzed.