Graphene-reinforced aluminium matrix nanocomposites: Fabrication, properties and applications

In recent decades, significant attention has been paid to aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) due to their superior properties such as lightweight, high strength, wear resistance and thermal conductivity. AMCs are widely applied in industries such as automotive, aerospace and electronics. Graphene, with its exceptional mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, is a type of promising reinforcement filler for AMCs, leading to the development of graphene-reinforced aluminium matrix nanocomposites (GRAMNs). GRAMNs offer enhanced overall performance, by combining the lightweight nature of aluminium with the superior characteristics of graphene. This review explores the role of graphene in AMCs, the fabrication techniques of GRAMNs and their mechanical, tribological, thermal and electrical properties. Although GRAMNs have significant potential, the challenges of their practical applications remain, particularly in the aspects of uniform dispersion of graphene, interfacial bonding between the matrix and graphene, as well as the large-scale production. It is critical to address these issues for future advancements and practical applications of GRAMNs.