Strengthening in a copper composite containing graphene nanofillers

Abstract

Multi-layer graphenes (MLGs) reinforced Cu matrix composites were fabricated using spark plasma sintering in this research. Microstructure observation indicated that MLGs homogeneously disperse in the matrix to result in grain refinement. Instrumented spherical micro-indentation tests were conducted to evaluate micro-mechanical properties of the composites, and the elastic modulus and indentation yield strength of the 1.5 wt.% MLG/Cu composite increase up to ∼ 36% and ∼ 41% than those of the unreinforced Cu, respectively. Grain refinement, the enhanced dislocation density (EDD) due to the thermal expansion mismatch between Cu matrix and MLGs and Orowan are thought to be the main strengthening mechanisms in this research.