Preparation of graphene nanosheet/alumina composites by spark plasma sintering

▶ Graphene nanosheet/alumina composite has been prepared by spark plasma sintering. ▶ Introduction of graphene nanosheet leads to refinement of grain size of alumina after hot pressing. ▶ Improvement of the fracture toughness for the composite is attributed to the nanosheet pulling-out and bridging. ▶ Conductivity of the composite is greatly improved due to the formation of graphene nanosheet electrical pathway in the matrix.