Manufacturing Science and Technology(CEASE PUBLICATION) Vol. 3(4), pp. 98 - 105
DOI: 10.13189/mst.2015.030403
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Multilayer Graphene (MLG)-Reinforced Al₂O₃ Nanocomposites Fabricated by High-frequency Induction-heat Sintering Technology

I. Ahmad ^*
Center of Excellence for Research in Engineering Materials - Advanced Manufacturing Institute, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Nanocomposites of Al₂O₃ (alumina) ceramic reinforced with various multilayer graphene (MLG) contents (2 and 4 vol.%) were fabricated by novel rapid high-frequency induction-heat (HF-IF) sintering technology and their microstructures, interface and mechanical properties were meticulously investigated. MLG was synthesized through thermal exfoliation process and dispersed homogenously into Al₂O₃ matrix by colloidal chemistry technique. Novel HF-IF sintering consolidated nanocomposites to 99% relative densities without damaging the MLG nanostructures and contributed in forming good Al₂O₃/MLG interface. The fracture toughness (KIC) of the nanocomposites was increased by 41% and 25% whereas a 6% increase and 15% reduction in hardness values were observed at 2 vol.% and 4 vol.% MLG additions respectively, compared to unreinforced Al₂O₃. Rise in the KIC values of the nanocomposites was associated with, (i) higher densities due to novel HF-IH sintering, (ii) uniform dispersions of the MLG within Al₂O₃ matrix, (iii) fracture-mode alteration, (iv) grain refinement, (v) strong MLG/Al₂O₃ interface and (vi) MLG/Al₂O₃ grain bridging and grain sharing toughening mechanism.

KEYWORDS
Multilayer graphene (MLG), Nanocomposite, Al₂O₃, Microstructure, Interface

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] I. Ahmad , "Multilayer Graphene (MLG)-Reinforced Al₂O₃ Nanocomposites Fabricated by High-frequency Induction-heat Sintering Technology," Manufacturing Science and Technology(CEASE PUBLICATION), Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 98 - 105, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/mst.2015.030403.

(b). APA Format:
I. Ahmad (2015). Multilayer Graphene (MLG)-Reinforced Al₂O₃ Nanocomposites Fabricated by High-frequency Induction-heat Sintering Technology. Manufacturing Science and Technology(CEASE PUBLICATION), 3(4), 98 - 105. DOI: 10.13189/mst.2015.030403.