Laser Sintered Graphene Reinforced Titanium Matrix Nanocomposites

Abstract

Graphene reinforced titanium (Ti-Gr) nanocomposites have been prepared on AISI 4140 base plate by laser sintering process. The dispersion and survival of graphene in the Ti matrix after laser treatment were discussed. Through laser sintering, graphene sheets were dispersed uniformly into Ti matrix to form Ti-Gr nanocomposites. Microstructures and components of the nanocomposites were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. It was proved by SEM images, XRD patterns and Raman spectrum that graphene survived in Ti-Gr nanocomposites after laser sintering. Hardness measurements showed the laser sintered Ti-Gr nanocomposites got more than 2-fold higher in Vickers Hardness value than that of laser sintered Ti.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Nano-Carbon Reinforced Titanium Matrix/Hydroxyapatite Biocomposites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

“…Researchers revealed that graphene, uniformly distributed in the titanium matrix, still exists in the titanium matrix/multilayer graphene nanofiller composites prepared by SPS, despite the reactions between nano-carbon and titanium that occur during high-temperature sintering [ 21 ]. This indicated that it is possible that only the nano-carbon at the ends or defects react with titanium due to the presence of the vacuum environment and surface modification of nano-carbon, and the amount of nano-carbon that has reacted with titanium is very small [ 20 ]. Moreover, it was seen from Figure 7 and Figure 8 that C element is almost present in both the matrix phases and calcium-containing reactants, which indicates that the nano-carbon may be coated by matrix phases and calcium-containing reactants.…”

“…The C element was also detected elsewhere in the samples, but no significant presence of nano-carbon was observed, which was because that the nano-carbon is coated with other phases. Moreover, the existence of nano-carbon was found on the surface of the Ti or HA composites in the many literatures [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Due to incomplete sintering, there were still some large agglomerated particles in the composite, as indicated by spot H in Figure 11 f. In addition, a large amount of granular particles (C, D) were present on the fracture surface, and mainly contained Ti, Nb, C, O, Ca, P, etc.…”

“…In fact, a new type of biological material that satisfies its comprehensive performance can be obtained by the adjustment of preparation method and components [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Research showed that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) not only have high strength, specific surface area, corrosion resistance and other properties, but also appear good biocompatibility and degradability [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. After added in composites, CNTs and GNFs are expected to improve biocompatibility of composites while maintaining their mechanical properties [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“…Research showed that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) not only have high strength, specific surface area, corrosion resistance and other properties, but also appear good biocompatibility and degradability [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. After added in composites, CNTs and GNFs are expected to improve biocompatibility of composites while maintaining their mechanical properties [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. It was revealed that both CNTs-HA and graphene sheet-HA composites are ideal materials for bone tissue engineering scaffolds and beneficial to the proliferation and differentiation of human fetal osteoblastic cell line (hFOB 1.19) [ 23 ].…”

Research Progress Regarding Interfacial Characteristics and the Strengthening Mechanisms of Titanium Alloy/Hydroxyapatite Composites

“…Besides, nano-carbon materials can enhance mechanical properties [32,75,76,77]. Hu et al revealed that Vickers hardness of Titanium-graphene composites initially increases with increasing of graphene content [71], as graphene itself has excellent mechanical properties that can carry loads and block dislocation movements in the composites. When the content of graphene was high, Vickers hardness of Titanium-graphene composites decreased [71], as graphene is a kind of 2D material, and its binding force with the matrix is weak.…”