Structural stability studies of graphene in sintered ceramic nanocomposites

The post-sintering structural stability of graphene in alumina nanocomposites synthesised by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and Hot Pressing (HP) was compared. Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses and electrical conductivity analyses were conducted to characterise degradation of graphene due to the utilisation of different sintering techniques and conditions. Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed good dispersion of graphene in SPSed and HPed sample. Graphene in SPSed and HPed nanocomposite samples sintered using longer durations (60 min) were found to possess higher crystallinity, thermal stability and electrical conductivity as compared to SPSed samples sintered using shorter sintering durations (10–20 min). This was attributed to the thermally induced graphitisation caused by longer sintering durations, which was lacking in SPSed samples processed using shorter sintering durations and lower temperature. No additional effect of DC pulsed current on the structural stability of graphene for nanocomposites were observed for samples prepared by SPS.