Influence of Graphene Nanoplatelets Addition on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Pure Aluminum through Ultrasonic-Assisted Stir Casting Technique

Using an ultrasonic-assisted stir casting method, a pure aluminum (Al) matrix (99% purity) was mixed with Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) in various proportions ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% to create a Metal Matrix Composite. The microstructural and mechanical behavior of pure Al-graphene composites were studied experimentally, and it was discovered that Al with 1.0 wt.% graphene composite exhibits improved mechanical properties, with a 38.80% increase in tensile strength and a 56.07% increase in microhardness. Furthermore, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to inspect the composites' exterior morphology, and fractography of the tensiled composites, as well as X-ray diraction (XRD) analysis, was used to observe the materials' stage changes. According to the failure review, uniform graphene scattering in the parent matrix combined with negligible porosity resulted in a substantial improvement in mechanical properties, making it ideal for aerospace applications.