Simultaneously Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties of ZK60 Alloy Reinforced by Oriented Graphene Nanoplatelets

doi:10.1007/s40195-023-01578-9

Abstract

Abstract:

The lamellar and orientational characteristics of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are crucial for reinforcing metal matrix composites, particularly in terms of their thermal properties. Two kinds of GNPs with plane sizes of 6 µm and 80 µm were respectively used as reinforcements in ZK60 alloy by powder metallurgy. The oriented distribution of GNPs in the matrix was obtained using a double-pass hot extrusion process, i.e., a stepped extrusion with two consecutive extrusion ratios (10:1 and 16:1). Reinforced with 0.05 wt% oriented GNPs (80 µm), the composite exhibited a tensile yield strength of 257 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 342 MPa, elongation of 24.7%, and notably enhanced thermal conductivity of 128.3 W (mK)⁻¹ even with refined grain size compared to the ZK60 alloy. The oriented GNPs in the matrix create a favorable path for efficient load and heat transfer, leading to the simultaneously enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties of the GNPs/ZK60 composites. This work is expected to broaden the application potential of GNPs as highly efficient reinforcements and provide a practical method for fabricating metal matrix composites.

Key words: Graphene, Magnesium, Orientation, Thermal properties, Mechanical properties

Baohong Zhu, Xian Du, Fanjing Meng, Xuefeng Wu, Ke Liu, Shubo Li, Zhaohui Wang, Wenbo Du. Simultaneously Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties of ZK60 Alloy Reinforced by Oriented Graphene Nanoplatelets[J]. Acta Metallurgica Sinica (English Letters), 2023, 36(12): 1999-2012.

Figures/Tables 17

Fig. 1 Schematic diagram for preparation of the GNPs/ZK60 composite

Fig. 2 SEM images of a GNPs-1, b GNPs-2, c ZK60 powder, d GNPs-1/ZK60 powder, e GNPs-2/ZK60 powder, and f diameter distribution chart of ZK60 powder

Fig. 3 TEM, SAED pattern, and HRTEM images of a-c GNPs-1 and d-f GNPs-2

Fig. 4 a Raman spectra of GNPs and the GNPs/ZK60 composite powder, b XRD patterns of GNPs

Fig. 5 OM images of a ZK60-1E, b -2E and c -3E; d (GNPs-1/ZK60)-1E, e -2E and f -3E; g (GNPs-2/ZK60)-1E, h -2E, i -3E

Fig. 6 a SEM images of the (GNPs-1/ZK60)-3E composite, b-e element mappings, f EDS results

Fig. 7 SEM images of the GNP/ZK60 composites from the side-view directions: a (GNPs-1/ZK60)-1E, b -2E and c -3E; d (GNPs-2/ZK60)-1E, e -2E, f -3E

Fig. 8 <cos2θ > determination from the side-view SEM images: a (GNPs-1/ZK60)-1E, b -2E and c -3E; d (GNPs-2/ZK60)-1E, e -2E, f -3E

Fig. 9 IPFs of a ZK60-1E, b (GNPs-2/ZK60)-1E, c (GNPs-2/ZK60)-3E from side view

Fig. 10 {0001} and $\left\{ {10\overline{1}0} \right\}$ pole figures of a ZK60, b (GNPs-2/ZK60)-1E, c (GNPs-2/ZK60)-3E

Fig. 11 Schmid factor distribution histogram of a ZK60, b (GNPs-2/ZK60)-1E, c (GNPs-2/ZK60)-3E for the {0001} $< 11\overline{2}0 >$ slip system along ED

Fig. 12 HRTEM images of a (GNPs-1/ZK60)-1E and c (GNPs-2/ZK60)-3E, FFT of (b1) GNPs-1, d1 GNPs-2 in composites, b2, d2 Mg matrix

Table 1 Thermal properties of ZK60 and composites

Sample	Density (g cm⁻³)	Thermal diffusivity (mm² s)⁻¹	Thermal conductivity (W (mK)⁻¹)
ZK60-1E	1.81 ± 0.03	62.82 ± 0.75	119.1
ZK60-2E	1.82 ± 0.02	62.17 ± 0.24	118.3
ZK60-3E	1.83 ± 0.04	61.76 ± 0.14	116.8
(GNPs-1/ZK60)-1E	1.85 ± 0.01	65.06 ± 0.17	125.8
(GNPs-1/ZK60)-2E	1.86 ± 0.05	65.13 ± 0.11	126.5
(GNPs-1/ZK60)-3E	1.87 ± 0.02	65.20 ± 0.31	127.4
(GNPs-2/ZK60)-1E	1.86 ± 0.01	65.09 ± 0.11	126.4
(GNPs-2/ZK60)-2E	1.87 ± 0.02	65.13 ± 0.27	126.9
(GNPs-2/ZK60)-3E	1.88 ± 0.06	65.40 ± 0.78	128.3

Fig. 13 Thermal conductivity of the GNPs/ZK60 composites

Fig. 14 Heat transfer in a ZK60 alloy, b (GNPs-1/ZK60)-1E, c (GNPs-2/ZK60)-3E composites

Table 2 Mechanical performances of ZK60 alloy and composites

Sample	TYS (MPa)	UTS (MPa)	Ɛ (%)	Hardness (Hv)
ZK60-1E	235 ± 2	292 ± 2	12.5 ± 0.4	58.5 ± 0.2
ZK60-2E	239 ± 1	295 ± 1	15.1 ± 0.8	59.6 ± 0.1
ZK60-3E	241 ± 3	309 ± 2	17.1 ± 0.7	61.3 ± 0.3
(GNPs-1/ZK60)-1E	251 ± 2	322 ± 3	20.8 ± 0.5	72.5 ± 0.4
(GNPs-1/ZK60)-2E	254 ± 1	327 ± 2	21.6 ± 0.9	73.7 ± 0.2
(GNPs-1/ZK60)-3E	256 ± 2	338 ± 4	24.1 ± 0.6	74.1 ± 0.5
(GNPs-2/ZK60)-1E	252 ± 1	333 ± 1	21.1 ± 0.4	73.4 ± 0.1
(GNPs-2/ZK60)-2E	256 ± 3	337 ± 2	22.7 ± 0.8	74.9 ± 0.3
(GNPs-2/ZK60)-3E	257 ± 4	342 ± 5	24.7 ± 0.9	76.2 ± 0.2

Fig. 15 a Histogram of Vickers hardness, b stress-strain curve of ZK60 alloy and the GNPs/ZK60 composites

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