Rapid innovation in nanotechnology in recent years enabled development of advanced metal matrix nanocomposites for structural engineering and functional devices. Carbonous materials, such as graphite, carbon nanotubes (CNT's), and graphene possess unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Owe to their lubricious nature, these carbonous materials have attracted researchers to synthesize lightweight self-lubricating metal matrix nanocomposites with superior mechanical and tribological properties for several applications in automotive and aerospace industries. This review focuses on the recent development in mechanical and tribological behavior of self-lubricating metallic nanocomposites reinforced by carbonous nanomaterials such as CNT and graphene. The review includes development of self-lubricating nanocomposites, related issues in their processing, their characterization, and investigation of their tribological behavior. The results reveal that adding CNT and graphene to metals decreases both coefficient of friction and wear rate as well as increases the tensile strength. The mechanisms involved for the improved mechanical and tribological behavior is discussed.

Mechanical and tribological properties of self-lubricating metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene – A review

This review critically examines the current state of graphene reinforced metal (GNP-MMC) and ceramic matrix composites (GNP-CMC) The use of graphene as reinforcement for structural materials is motivated by their exceptional mechanical/functional properties and their unique physical/chemical characteristics This review focuses on MMCs and CMCs because of their technological importance for structural applications and the unique challenges associated with developing high-temperature composites with nanoparticle reinforcements The review discusses processing techniques, effects of graphene on the mechanical behaviour of GNP-MMCs and GNP-CMCs, including early studies on the tribological performance of graphene-reinforced composites, where graphene has shown signs of serving as a protective and lubricious phase Additionally, the unique functional properties endowed by graphene to GNP-MMCs and GNP-CMCs, such as enhanced thermal/electrical conductivity, improved oxidation resistance, and excellent bi

Graphene reinforced metal and ceramic matrix composites: a review

A 1.0 wt.% graphene reinforced aluminum 6061 (Al6061) composite was synthesized to investigate the effects of graphene dispersion by ball milling technique. The Al6061 powder and graphene were ball milled at different milling times. The composites were then synthesized by hot compaction in the semi-solid regime of the Al6061. A three point bending test was performed to characterize the mechanical properties of the composite. The ball milled powder and the fracture surfaces of the composites were analyzed using the scanning electron microscopy. A maximum enhancement of 47% in flexural strength was observed when compared with the reference Al6061 processed at the same condition.

Effect of ball milling on graphene reinforced Al6061 composite fabricated by semi-solid sintering

Carbon nanomaterials in tribology

Graphene and its derivatives have gained significant attention of late due to their remarkable physicochemical properties. This review focuses firstly on the synthesis methods of graphene and its derivatives along with their attributes and characterization techniques. This is followed by a discussion of the potential industrial implementation of the synthesis routes. The potential industrial implementation of the graphene synthesis methods are reviewed using the key criteria of cost, process condition, yield, scalability, product quality and environmental impact. The literature data supported that synthesis routes such as oxidative exfoliation-reduction, liquid-phase exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition have the potential to be commercialized due to their ability to produce large amount of high quality graphene. Further development is necessary to overcome barriers such as environmental concerns and the high graphene cost.

Review on graphene and its derivatives: Synthesis methods and potential industrial implementation

Friction and wear behavior of Al–CNT composites

Ultrasonic spray deposition of SiC nanoparticles for laminate metal composite fabrication

A composite made of graphene and aluminum is a promising material for many engineering applications due to its lightweight and relatively high strength properties. Unfortunately, the uniform dispersion of the graphene is considered one of the big challenges since the graphene clusters tend to deteriorate the mechanical properties of the composite. In this study, a graphene reinforced Al6061 composite has been investigated. The composites are fabricated by ball milling the graphene flakes and the Al6061 powder, followed by hot compaction in the semi-solid regime of the Al6061. In addition, a graphene reinforced composite with localized reinforced zones within the composite was also investigated The mechanical properties of the composites are measured by conducting a bend test, and microstructural analysis of the composite and fracture surfaces are performed. According to the bending test results, an enhancement in the strength is clearly observed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME

Fabrication of Graphene Reinforced Aluminum Composite by Semi-Solid Processing

One of the challenges in making layered metal composites reinforced at interfaces has been controlling the dispersion and microstructure of the reinforcement particles. The reinforcement elements are typically applied at the interface by manual spreading using brush or by immersing the substrate in a suspension. In this study, an ultrasonic spraying technique has been used to deposit silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles on aluminum 6061 (Al6061) substrate foils to fabricate a laminate metal composite to control the deposited structure. The suspension parameters and the spraying parameters were investigated, and their influence on the deposited microstructure was analyzed. The laminate composite was consolidated using hot compaction, and a three-point bend test was performed to evaluate the mechanical properties. The yield and ultimate flexural strengths of the laminate composite reinforced with SiC nanoparticles increased by 32% and 15%, respectively, compared with those of the unreinforced sample prepared at the same condition.

Mina Bastwros

Papers

Effect of ball milling on graphene reinforced Al6061 composite fabricated by semi-solid sintering

Friction and wear behavior of Al–CNT composites

Ultrasonic spray deposition of SiC nanoparticles for laminate metal composite fabrication

Fabrication of Graphene Reinforced Aluminum Composite by Semi-Solid Processing

Fabrication of Aluminum–SiC Laminate Nanocomposite by Ultrasonic Spray Deposited Sheet Bonding