Graphene oxide-reinforced aluminum alloy matrix composite materials fabricated by powder metallurgy

Graphene oxide (GO) powder was dispersed in an AlMg5 matrix using high energy ball milling. The obtained blend was then completely densified by hot pressing. No further hardening processing step was performed. Nevertheless, only 1 vol% of GO in the Aluminum alloy matrix leads to a significant improvement of the mechanical resistance. The ultimate tensile strength (540 MPa) and the macro hardness (166 HV) are increased by a factor of 2 compared to the same AlMg5 alloy without nanoparticulate material and compacted under the same conditions. The bending strength is even increased by a factor of 4 reaching a value over 800 MPa. The GO powder can be applied as a mechanical reinforcement to other scenarios such as polymer and ceramic systems.