Prediction of properties for the production and application of graphene reinforced metal matrix composites

This paper presents the development of finite element analysis (FEA) modelling for the prediction of the properties of the metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with graphene. Process parameters taken into consideration were matrix metal (such as Al, Mg Ti, Ni, Cu and Fe) and volume fractions (1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of graphene. The FEA model was developed using ANSYS 14 based on the assumptions that it is free of voids and irregularities, and that the graphene sheets are perfectly aligned. Modelling results were discussed in relation to experimental data from the literature and also verified with theoretical methods; Rule of Mixtures (ROM) and Bettie’s reciprocal theorem. The comparative study of results obtained from the analysis of composite has shown that the properties such as Young's moduli and Poisson's ratio and electrical conductivity of the material are significantly enhanced by the reinforcing graphene in the metal matrix. In particular, it was found that there is a significant increase of longitudinal Young's modulus with increasing volume fraction of graphene reinforcement. Graphene reinforced MMCs has the capability as an advanced composite material of being applied in many highly demanding advanced engineering applications in aero, auto and energy industries. In this paper, the case for application of aluminium-graphene metal matrix composite as the material of choice for power transmission lines is elaborated.