Al matrix composites reinforced by in situ synthesized graphene–Cu hybrid layers: interface control by spark plasma sintering conditions

Tremendous impacts are usually made by the synthesis method and consolidation technique on microstructure interface of graphene/Al composites. In present work, an in situ gel-precursor decomposition route is proposed for one-step graphene nanosheet (GNS) decorated with Cu nanoparticles form hybrid layers encapsulating Al grains (designated as GNS–Cu/Al). Consolidation performed spark plasma sintering (SPS) using markedly different sets maximum temperature uniaxial pressure (400 °C/400 MPa or 500 °C/100 MPa). The powder dense samples investigated several techniques including thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction electron microscopy. microhardness elastic modulus selected GNS–Cu/Al composites related to preparation conditions. Results demonstrate that structure primarily determined roles GNS–Cu finely controlled SPS This work paves a novel way elucidate evolutions metal-decorated hybrids matrix