The effect of ball milling process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ag@rGO/Ti composites

In this study, silver-modified reduced graphene oxide (Ag@rGO) was used to reinforce pure titanium (Ti) powder through powder metallurgy. Silver ions enhance the interfacial bonding between rGO and Ti, promoting uniform dispersion and reducing reactions between them. With increased ball milling time and speed, Ag@rGO agglomeration decreases, and dispersion improves, especially at 300 rpm and 4 hours. However, ball milling causes some structural damage to Ag@rGO, with greater damage at higher milling speeds, potentially causing Ag particles to detach. The ball milling process significantly increases the microhardness and compressive strength of the Ag@rGO/Ti composite (up to 1196.6 MPa), but the compressive strain rate decreases.