Alipour, M.Keshavamurthy, R.Koppad, P.G.Shakiba, A.Reddy, N.C.2026-02-042023International Journal of Metalcasting, 2023, 17, 2, pp. 935-94619395981https://doi.org/10.1007/s40962-022-00826-5https://idr.nitk.ac.in/handle/123456789/21969Microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum alloy Al–10Zn–3.5Mg–2.5Cu/graphene nanoplates composites produced by ball milling and stir casting have been investigated. The presence of dispersed Graphene nano plates with high specific surface area significantly increases the strength of the composites. The microstructural studies of the alloy revealed that graphene nano plates addition reduces the grain size, but adding higher graphene nano plates content (1 wt% graphene nano plates) does not change the grain size considerably. Further investigations on tensile tests revealed that the addition of graphene nano plates increases ultimate tensile strength. Samples under T6 heat treatment (heating up to 460 °C for 8 h, quenching in water (25 °C) and aging at 120 °C for 24 h) show better strength than other samples. At higher graphene nano plates contents, the presence of graphene agglomerate on grain boundaries was found to be the favored path for crack growth. The composite containing 0.7 wt% graphene nano plates exhibits tensile strength of 582 Mpa. © 2022, American Foundry Society.Aluminum alloysBall millingGrain boundariesGrain growthGrain size and shapeMetallic matrix compositesMicrostructureTensile strengthTensile testingGrainsizeHigh specific surface areaMetal matrix compositeMicro-structuralMicrostructures and mechanical propertiesNano sheetNanoplatesPowder processingStir castingUltrasonic treatmentsGraphene