Attaining the strength-plasticity-electricity balance of carbon nanotube/Cu composites through combining the intragranular carbonized polymer dots distribution

Abstract

Insight into the well-balanced mechanical-electrical properties of copper composites is requisite to provide an understanding for the development of novel structure–function integrated materials. In this study, the multi-dimensional hybrid reinforcements, carbon nanotube and zero-dimensional carbonized polymer dots (abbreviated as: CNT + CPD), were incorporated within copper matrix via spraying pyrolysis dispersion and segmented ball milling routes. A novel strategy was developed to simultaneously introduce intragranular CPD and intergranular CNT by controlling the spatial configuration. Characterization results show that the dispersibility and interface wettability of CNT-Cu were improved by the spraying pyrolysis. Intragranular CPD facilitated the trapping and accumulation of dislocations inside grain interior, which enhanced the strain hardening capability. 3.0 vol% CNT-CPD/Cu composites achieved good strength-plasticity compatibility (410 MPa and 19.8 %, i.e., 146.6 % and 139.3 % of the CNT/Cu composites, respectively). Meanwhile, composites had also displayed good electrical conductivity (96.5% IACS), which was attributed to the creation of conductive graphitic channels locally around intragranular CPD and produced a potent electric field with little charge loss. This work presented an effective route for the design of advanced copper composites and demonstrated potential in applications as progressive multi-functional materials.