Fabrication of composite materials with addition of graphene platelets

Liu, Jian (2014). Fabrication of composite materials with addition of graphene platelets. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This PhD project set out to tackle the disadvantages of brittleness and low corrosion resistance that ceramics and mild steel bear respectively by developing ceramic and metallic nanocomposites using nanostructured fillers. Graphene platelets (GPLs) as newly emerging carbon materials were chosen as the reinforcing fillers. Two types of nanocomposites were fabricated and their mechanical or corrosion resistant properties were characterized. Alumina (Al2O3) based nanocomposites reinforced with GPLs were sintered and GPL/Nickel (Ni) nanocomposites were produced using an electrodeposition technique. The results show that the mechanical properties of the ceramic matrices are significantly improved by adding nano fillers. Toughening mechanisms induced by GPLs, such as pull-out, crack deflection and crack bridging are observed. On the other hand, the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of Ni matrix are greatly enhanced by the addition of GPLs. In addition, the higher percentage of GPLs results in finer and more uniform Ni microstructures, leading to the higher hardness and corrosion resistance.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):