• Morphology-centric computational simulation coupled with FEM enables reliable predictions in GNP/magnesium nanocomposites. • Well-dispersed, slender, aligned GNPs with robust interphases form the optimal morphology for peak performance. • Adverse effects of GNP clustering and voids can be partially relieved through their breakdown. The remarkable intrinsic properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) make them compelling candidates for reinforcement in magnesium matrices. Despite this potential, the fabrication and experimental assessment of GNP-reinforced magnesium nanocomposites are technically demanding and time-consuming. The proposed modeling approach seeks to clarify the role of GNP morphology and associated microstructural defects in governing the elastic, thermoelastic, and creep properties of GNP/magnesium nanocomposites. In this micromechanics-based finite element framework, representative volume elements (RVEs) of the binary system are generated using the morphology-centric computational simulation and subsequently evaluated with the Abaqus solver. The results reveal that higher GNP concentrations lead to a pronounced enhancement in effective properties, contingent upon achieving uniform dispersion. Thinner GNPs promote improved performance; however, the benefits plateau below a critical thickness, indicating a saturation behavior. Moreover, alignment of GNPs is found to be advantageous compared to random dispersion, provided that the loading is applied along the in-plane direction of GNPs. The role of possible oxide- and carbide-based interphases is also examined. It becomes evident that GNP clustering and void formation reduce the elastic modulus while increasing the thermal expansion coefficient and creep strain; their disintegration, however, partially alleviates these detrimental effects.
Moradi et al. (2026) studied this question.