Influence of graphene dispersion in aluminum-graphene-composites on mechanical and electrical properties of extruded profiles

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Aluminum alloys are widely applied for lightweight constructions due to their high weight- specific strength and easy processability. Graphene exhibits outstanding values of strength, stiffness and electric conductivity. Thus, it is an attractive candidate to be applied as strengthening phase in aluminum. In order to achieve an effective strengthening effect graphene needs to be dispersed homogenously in the Al-matrix. The overall aim of the project is to study the influence of different manufacturing processes on the graphene dispersion. In order to achieve a satisfying bonding between matrix and graphene a proper functionalization will be applied. Additionally, Al-powder and graphene will be mixed on the one hand mechanically and on the other hand in a wet chemical process. After pre-compacting the influence of the extrusion process as well as the shear deformation via the ECAP-process on the dispersion of graphene will be investigated. Afterwards the microstructures will be analyzed and the mechanical properties of the compounds will be characterized in tensile tests. Finally, the electric conductivity of these innovative compound materials will be examined in order to get to know whether they can be applied as lighter and cheaper conducting material in comparison to conventional copper.