Enhanced strength and toughness of Ni/graphene composite via three-dimensional graphene-like nanosheets network
Zhongze Lin, Shunran Zhang, Ren Lang, Zhe Shen, Ganpei Tang, Peijian Shi, Tianxiang Zheng, Biao Ding, Yifeng Guo, Yan Chen, Qiang Li, Jianchao Peng, Yunbo Zhong
Abstract
This paper reports a novel strategy for fabricating the three-dimensional graphene-like nanosheets network (3D-GLNN) in a nickel (Ni) matrix composite through spark plasma sintering induced welding between graphene-like nanosheets grown on the surface of Ni foams. The in-situ constructed 3D interconnected GLNN architecture can significantly improve the load transfer capacity, thereby increasing the yield strength of the bulk composite. The crack bridging in the fracture process induced by the 3D-GLNN blocks the crack propagation during tensile deformation and results in significant strengthening and toughening. This study provides an innovative design idea (using the 3D-connected Ni foam as a template) to synergistically enhance the strength and strain-hardening capacity, thereby breaking the strength-ductility trade-off of graphene-reinforced metal matrix composites .