Synthesis of graphene reinforced aluminum nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties by solidification processing

Abstract

The present paper introduces a novel synthetic process for A356 Aluminum alloy graphene nanocomposites, involving stir mixing to create a semisolid slurry followed by squeeze casting. The method enhances graphene distribution, reduces porosity, refines grain size, and improves bonding between graphene and the aluminum matrix. Resulting composites exhibit a maximum tensile strength of 296 MPa and compressive strength of 496 MPa with 0.5 wt% graphene. Thermal conductivity reaches 224 W/mK, and thermal expansion is 10.28 × 10–6/°C. Wear tests reveal a 79.31 % reduction compared to A356 alloy under 40 N load due to self-lubricating properties of few layered graphene particles. T6 heat treatment shows a 45.45 % increase in thermal conductivity and 28.50 % strength improvement with 0.5 wt% graphene.