Study on Agglomeration Reduction Techniques and their Impact on Mechanical Properties of Al-8090/Graphene Composites

The present study focuses on the agglomeration reduction techniques and their influence on the mechanical properties of Al- 8090/graphene composites. Graphene, due to its exceptional strength, thermal conductivity, and stiffness, serves as an ideal reinforcement material for lightweight aluminum alloys. However, its tendency to agglomerate within the metal matrix limits uniform dispersion and degrades mechanical performance. In this work, various dispersion and agglomeration-reduction techniques such as ultrasonication, mechanical stirring, and the use of surfactants are investigated to enhance the homogeneity of graphene distribution in the Al- 8090 matrix. The fabricated composites are subjected to mechanical testing, including tensile, hardness, and impact strength evaluations, to determine the effect of improved dispersion. Microstructural characterization using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is also conducted to study particle distribution and interface bonding. The results indicate that optimized dispersion techniques significantly reduce graphene clustering and improve the overall mechanical properties of the composite. This research highlights the importance of effective agglomeration control in developing high-performance aluminum-graphene composites for advanced structural and aerospace applications.