Towards Balanced Strength and Plasticity in Graphene-Nickel Composites: The Role of Graphene, Bimodal Metal Powder and Processing Conditions

Due to their higher strength and lighter weight compared conventional metals, graphene-nickel (Gr-Ni) composites have recently gained growing interest for use in the automotive aerospace industries. Homogeneous Gr dispersion, metal powder dispersity processing conditions play a key role obtaining desired grain size distribution, an amount of high angle boundaries thus reaching balance between plasticity composite. Here, we report approach fabricating with balanced ductility through microstructure optimization nickel matrix. A graphite platelets (GP) content 0.1–1 wt.% was used mechanical properties material. In situ, conversion GP-to-Gr performed during milling step. This paper discusses effect bimodal nano- micro-sized Ni (nNi mNi) on Gr-Ni synthesized using modified metallurgy approach. Specimens varied nNi:mNi ratios were produced by two-step compaction investigated X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, back-scattered (EBSD) nanoindentation. The best combination ultimate tensile (UTS), yield limit (YL), elongation hardness obtained 100nNi 50nNi matrices, those 0.1% graphene. addition more than 0.5 GP matrix induces fracture mechanism change from brittle fracture. Dedicated 300th anniversary St. Petersburg University Foundation.