Preparation and mechanical performance of graphene platelet reinforced titanium nanocomposites for high temperature applications

In this paper graphene platelet (GPL)-reinforced titanium (Ti) composites (GPL/Ti) were prepared using spark plasma sintering to evaluate a new type of structural material. The microstructure, mechanical properties and high temperature compressive properties of the GPL/Ti composites were studied. It was found that GPLs are well dispersed in the Ti matrix and the introduction of GPL results in the refinement of the Ti microstructure. Although x-ray diffraction results imply no traceable reaction products are produced in GPL/Ti composites, scanning electron and element analyses indicate titanium carbide particles are found along the interface between the GPL and Ti matrix. Compressive tests show that GPL/Ti composites exhibit higher yield strength and better compressive performance than the pure Ti samples. A maximum increase of approximately 43% and 37% in yield strength and compressive strength are achieved, respectively. Raman analysis suggests the reaction between GPLs and Ti results in the reduction in the number of the layers in graphene structure. The presented work suggests that GPL/Ti might be of great potential to be used as a structural material in various engineering fields.