Exploring mechanical behavior of Mg-6Zn alloy reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets

Graphene and its derivatives have been extensively used as reinforcing agents owing to their high mechanical properties. In the present work, an attempt is made to synthesize graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced Mg-6Zn alloy using a disintegrated melt deposition method. The effects of GNPs on microstructural and mechanical properties of alloy were investigated. The microstructural analysis revealed uniform dispersion of GNPs throughout composite matrix along with refined grain size. The results of strength measurements indicated that addition of GNPs lead to increase in microhardness, tensile and compression strengths. The increased strength of synthesized composites may be attributed to grain refinement, uniform dispersion of GNPs, changes in basal textures and basic strengthening mechanisms. Moreover, comparison of synthesized composites with Mg-6Zn-CNTs composites revealed that GNPs have high potential to replace CNTs because GNPs are 4-6 times cheaper than CNTs.