Investigation of Mechanical Properties of LM6 Aluminium Alloy Embedded with Nanographene

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are widely utilized in the automotive, aerospace, and marine industries due to their lightweight structure, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior castability. Among these, Aluminium LM6, a hypoeutectic alloy with a high silicon content, is particularly favored for applications requiring smooth flow during casting and long-term durability in corrosive environments. While LM6 offers notable advantages in terms of manufacturability and ductility, its mechanical properties—such as tensile strength and hardness—are relatively limited compared to other structural alloys. This restricts its use in load-bearing or high-stress components.To address these limitations, Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have emerged as a promising solution. By reinforcing base metals with solid secondary materials, MMCs significantly enhance mechanical performance, wear resistance, and thermal stability. In recent years, nano-reinforcements, especially nano-graphene, have gained considerable attention due to their exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, exhibits extraordinary tensile strength, a high surface area, and a large Young’s modulus. These attributes make it an ideal candidate for strengthening metal matrices, offering a pathway to develop lightweight, high-performance composites suitable for advanced engineering applications.