Effect of Silicon Nitride and Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Properties of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites

This research work aims at investigating the influence of a fixed content silicon nitride (Si3N4) and varied contents graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on physical (density, structural, morphological) mechanical properties (microhardness, nanoindentation) Al-Si3N4-GNPs composites. The composites were fabricated by microwave-assisted powder metallurgy route. Si3N4 concentration was (5 wt.%) in while GNPs between (0 to (1.5 with an increment (0.5 wt.%). structural analysis indicates formation phase pure materials high crystallinity. microstructural confirmed presence showing enhanced agglomeration increasing amount GNPs. Moreover, surface roughness synthesized increases reaching its maximum value (RMS = 65.32 nm) 1.5 wt.% exhibit improved microhardness promising load-indentation behavior during nanoindentation when compared aluminum (Al). demonstrate higher values compressive yield strength (CYS) ultimate (UCS) Al despite declining trend matrix. Finally, shear mode fracture is prevalent under compression loading.