Simulation of Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Configurational GNPs/2009Al Composites

Nanocomposites comprising of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and aluminum (Al) have gained tremendous interest over the past few decades owing to their exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The microstructure of GNPs in these composites, such as dispersion, and orientation, significantly affects the loading capacity and thermal properties. However, previous studies on the mechanical properties have overshadowed investigations into the thermal expansion coefficient of GNPs/ Al composites with different microstructures. In this study, a three-dimensional model of microscopic GNPs/2009Al composites was established using the finite element method and the software ABAQUS. The effects of the distribution, geometric configuration, and volume fraction of graphene nanoplatelets on the thermal expansion coefficient of the composite were analyzed. Results show that the thermal expansion coefficient of the composite is less affected by the distribution form of graphene nanoplatelets. However, when the distribution form of graphene nanoplatelets is 2 clusters, the thermal expansion coefficient is smaller than other distribution forms. Moreover, the geometry and volume fraction of graphene nanoplatelets have a significant effect on the thermal expansion coefficient. An increase in the volume fraction of graphene nanoplatelets leads to a decrease in the thermal expansion coefficient of the composites. When the volume fraction of graphene nanoplatelets in the composite is 2.5% and the aggregate distribution is bundled, the thermal expansion coefficient decreases the most (by about 27%) compared to the matrix. By comparing with experimental results, the validity of the model is verified. The conclusions of this study can provide a theoretical basis for designing and optimizing the configuration of graphene nanoplatelets/aluminum matrix composites.