Scientists have proposed a new technology for high-strength nanocomposites production

Scientists have suggested using graphene, the most durable, lightweight and electrically conductive of the carbon compounds, in the composite. Studies conducted by a group of physicists with the support of the Russian Science Foundation have shown that the introduction of graphene into sintered coarse-grained ceramics, in particular aluminum oxide, reduces the resistivity at low temperatures and frequencies and increases the electronic conductivity of the composite. Aluminum oxide due to its properties - high melting point, hardness, compressive strength, corrosion resistance, etc. - is a demanded structural material. This composite is used in the manufacture of a wide range of products. However, aluminum oxide has a disadvantage of low electrical conductivity, which makes the production aimed process of electrical discharge machining difficult or even impossible. Scientists have proposed the use of graphene to eliminate this.

- Our joint research with our Moscow colleagues on the effect of graphene on the composite has shown good results. The effect of graphene content on electrical resistivity, which depends on temperature and current frequency, has been experimentally proven. The introduction of 1-2 percent graphene led to almost the same decrease in resistivity at room temperature and low frequency. At the same time, the dynamics of electrical resistance decrease remain the same with the increase in temperature, - said Irina Sudzhanskaya, a researcher at the NRU BelSU” Center for the collective use of scientific equipment “Technologies and Materials”.

According to Irina Vasilievna, the high mobility of graphene charge carriers at certain parameters of the aluminum oxide and graphene composite process of formation can lead to specific conductivity characteristic of semiconductor or metal type conductivity, which makes it a promising material for microelectronics use.

You can learn more about the results of the study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272884219333802