Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Graphene/Aluminum Composites: Insights from Atomic Simulations

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have significant potential as reinforcement agents in metallic materials. Understanding the interfacial structure between GNPs and an aluminum matrix (AlM) is crucial for this composite (GNPs/AlMC) design and application. Studies on the effects of heat treatment on the interfacial character and its influence on mechanical properties at the atomic scale are, therefore, of high importance. This study presents molecular dynamics simulations investigating the effects of heat treatment on the interfacial structural evolution between GNPs and AlM and how such behavior tunes mechanical performance. The results show that the number of interfacial bonds increases significantly when the heat treatment temperature reaches 900 K, below which it stays at low level. Compared with the heat treatment temperature, the pressure has less effect on the interfacial bonds of GNPs/AlMCs. Moreover, defective GNPs with pores at certain heat treatment temperatures promote the formation of Al-C bonds at the interface and improve the mechanical properties of GNPs/AlMCs. These findings underscore the potential for utilizing heat treatment and defect engineering to improve interfacial bonding and achieve improved mechanical performance in GNPs/AlMCs.