Strength-ductility synergistic mechanism of SiC-decorated reduced graphene oxide on 5083 aluminum alloy

Abstract

This investigation employed chemical modification of reinforcement combined with hot extrusion methods to effectively produce silicon carbide decorated reduced graphene oxide (SiC/RGO, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt%) reinforced Al5083 composites. The microstructure and mechanical properties of these SiC/RGO/Al5083 composites were investigated with a focus on the strengthening mechanism of Al5083 MMC. The findings demonstrated that SiC particles positioned on the RGO surface inhibit the formation of the Al₄C₃ phase. SiC/RGO notably enhanced the mechanical properties of the Al5083 MMC. The yield strength and ultimate strength of the Al5083 MMC with 0.3 wt% reinforcement reached 258 and 317 MPa, respectively. This corresponds to a 43 % and 38 % enhancement compared to pure Al5083 that has been processed similarly. Analyses of the strengthening mechanisms reveal that the strength of Al5083 composites in this study is mainly governed by the improved load transfer enabled by RGO and the grain refinement effects contributed by SiC.