Effect of metallic addition on mechanical properties in an aluminum-graphite composite synthesized by means of mechanical milling

The increase on mechanical properties of different graphite dispersions in aluminum-based composites was studied. Al composites with metal-coated graphite (MCG) were prepared by mechanical milling route. Selected MCG couples were C-Cu, C-Ni and C-Ag while uncoated graphite was used as reference. As-milled products were consolidated by uniaxial cold compression followed by pressure-less sintering, hardness and compression tests were carried out on a longitudinal direction. Experimental values showed a significant increment on yield strength and hardness values in synthesized composites with respect to the blank (pure milled Al) processed under same conditions. Metal type and its concentration have an important effect on mechanical properties of prepared composites.