Effects of 3D graphene networks on the microstructure and physical properties of SiC/Al composites

A series of SiC/Al composites with different contents of 3-dimensional graphene networks (3DGN) were prepared by using mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effects of 3DGN on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviors of SiC-3DGN/Al composites were investigated. The results show that the 3DGN can substantially enhance the synergistic strength-toughness of SiC/Al composites. Compared with SiC/Al composites, the SiC-3DGN/Al composites demonstrate stronger interface cohesion, and an increase in hardness (56.5%), density, ductility and corrosion resistance in NaCl solution. The reason is that 3DGN results in enhanced interface cohesion by reducing defective interface between the reinforcement and the matrix.