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Towards large scale preparation of graphene in molten salts and its use in the fabrication of highly toughened alumina ceramics.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Repository DOI


Type

Article

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Authors

Kamali, Ali Reza 
Fray, Derek J 

Abstract

Highly crystalline graphene nanosheets were reproducibly generated by the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite electrodes in molten LiCl containing protons. The graphene product has been successfully applied in several applications. This paper discusses the effect of molten salt produced graphene on the microstructures and mechanical properties of alumina articles produced by slip casting and pressureless sintering, which is one of the most convenient methods for the commercial production of alumina ceramics. In addition to graphene, graphite powder and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were also used to prepare alumina articles for comparative purposes. A graphene strengthening effect was realized through microstructural refinement and by influencing the formation of alumina nanorods during the sintering of α-Al2O3 articles. The fracture toughness of the sintered alumina articles increased to an impressive value of 6.98 MPa m(1/2) by adding 0.5 wt% graphene nanosheets. This was attributed to the unique microstructure obtained, comprised of micrometer sized alumina grains separated by alumina nanorods.

Description

Keywords

0912 Materials Engineering

Journal Title

Faraday Discuss

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1359-6640
1364-5498

Volume Title

Publisher

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Sponsorship
The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers is thanked for funding support for this research.