The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Silicon Carbide Containing Graphene Nanoplatelets Sonicated for Different Times

In this study, the effects of adding graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) prepared at different probe sonication times such as 1, 2, 4 and 6 h on microstructure mechanical properties silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations size measurements revealed that dimension GPLs decreased with increasing time. However, reduction in was very low up to 2 time became more pronounced times. Raman analyses indicated dispersions agglomerates increased well defects and/or disorders their structures thickness well-dispersed obtained did not change when h. exfoliated exhibited a homogeneous distribution SiC matrix microstructure. The highest increment fracture toughness both through-plane (//) in-plane (⊥) directions achieved addition sonicated for among higher contribution 2-h than non-sonicated 1-h associated uniform microstructure, while values they provided compared could be explained by positive effect lateral aspect ratio. have improved mainly help bridging deflection toughening mechanisms.