Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was investigated as a vehicle for incorporating thermally reduced graphene oxides (TRGOs) into metal matrix composites (MMCs). The TRGOs were synthesized using the modified Hummers’ method and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The PVA/TRGOs nanocomposites were synthesized using the solution mixing technique. The dispersion qualification and quantification of TRGOs in PVA were evaluated through tension and nanoindentation tests, as well as elastic modulus mapping by nanoindentation. The results demonstrated a good dispersion of TRGOs in the PVA matrix, resulting in exceptional mechanical properties. The dispersion time and energy variables were carefully controlled, leading to a good dispersion degree verified by the quantification analysis. Furthermore, preliminary studies confirmed the effectiveness of the PVA as an inclusion vehicle for nanoreinforcements in metallic matrices.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
thermally reduced graphene oxides (TRGOs), polymer matrix composites (PMCs), dispersion degree, mechanical properties, nanoreinforced aluminum matrix composites (NRAMCs), sandwich technique, materials processing, mechanical behavior, microstructure property relationships
Topics:
Aluminum, Composite materials, Graphene, Mechanical properties, Nanocomposites, Nanoreinforcements, Polyvinyl alcohol, Vehicles, Polymer composites, Nanoindentation, Elastic moduli, Manufacturing

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