Ameliorating strength-ductility efficiency of graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced aluminum composites via deformation-driven metallurgy

1.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were prepared by deformation-driven metallurgy to ameliorate strength-ductility efficiency. Severe plastic deformation with its frictional/deformation heat introduced by deformation-driven metallurgy was studied by their strengthening-toughing behaviors related to graphene nanoplatelet dispersion, interfacial bonding, and grain refinement. The synergy strengthening behaviors were studied via modeling analysis. Uniform dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets and ultra-fine microstructures (267.0 nm) were obtained via severe plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallization. High-efficiency interfacial bonding was realized via graphene nanoplatelets-(amorphous Al₂O₃)-Al semi-direct interface without the formation of Al₄C₃. The automatic flow of Al₂O₃ nanodots to compensate for the spatial discontinuity caused by the interlayer slip of graphene was observed to achieve self-compensating spatial continuity. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation reached 468 ± 7 MPa and 19.9 ± 0.6%, respectively, showing an enhancement of strength by 293.3% with almost no loss in ductility.