Synergistic effect of AlO-decorated reduced graphene oxide on microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061 aluminium alloy.

In this study, Al6061 alloy matrix composites reinforced AlO-decorated reduced graphene oxide (AlO/RGO) with 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 weight present (wt%) were successfully fabricated using high energy ball milling and hot extrusion techniques. The microstructures of these AlO/RGO/Al6061 aluminum matrix composites (Al MMCs) were characterized. The results showed that AlO/RGO were uniformly distributed within the Al6061 matrix and tightly bonded to the matrix. AlO encapsulation on RGO surface would prevent the formation of AlC brittle phase in matrix, ensuring that there was no reaction between the reinforcement and the matrix Al6061. Tensile strength and Vickers hardness tests demonstrated that the mechanical properties of Al MMCs significantly increased with addition of AlO/RGOs. Remarkably, Al MMCs with 0.1 wt% reinforcement showed tensile yield and tensile strengths of 270 MPa and 286 MPa, respectively, which were 49% and 43% higher than those of pure Al6061 prepared using the same process. Furthermore, the 0.1 wt% AlO/RGO composite also showed the best plastic deformation capability in considering of the strength.