Enhanced compressive strength of graphene strengthened copper (G/Cu) composites

Cakir D., Caylan O. R., Gurpinar E., Akgul O., Tugrul H. O., Okay E., ...More

FUNCTIONAL COMPOSITES AND STRUCTURES, vol.6, no.3, 2024 (ESCI, Scopus)

Abstract

This study explores the compressive mechanical properties of copper composites reinforced with graphene. Graphene was synthesized on copper powders via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Multilayer graphene formation has been substantiated by Raman analysis. Graphene-coated copper (G/Cu) powders were then subjected to pressing and sintering to fabricate G/Cu composites. The mechanical properties of G/Cu composites were investigated under compression from room temperature up to 400 degrees C in air. The results demonstrated a substantial improvement in the mechanical properties of G/Cu composites compared to monolithic copper. Specifically, the yield strength in compression of the G/Cu composite increased by 203% at room temperature and by 190% at 200 degrees C. At 400 degrees C, the yield strength enhancement exceeded 370%. Microstructural analysis suggests that the observed enhancements in G/Cu composites can be attributed to reduced porosity, smaller grain size, and inhibited dislocation motion at the increased grain boundary area (due to refined grain size) and graphene-copper interfaces.