Effect of graphene nano-sheets content and sintering time on the microstructure, coefficient of thermal expansion, and mechanical properties of (Cu /WC –TiC-Co) nano-composites

Abstract

The effect of nano-graphene sheets on the thermal expansion and mechanical properties of Cu/WC –TiC-Co composite was studied. Five samples with 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 wt. % graphene were prepared. 10 wt. % WC -TiC-Co was coated with 90 wt.% copper by electro-less coating process then mixed with the different weight percent of graphene anno-sheets. All composites were compacted at 900 MPa then sintered in an argon atmosphere at 950 °C at three different times 90, 120, 140 min. Volume shrinkage, density, microstructure, thermal expansion, hardness, and compression strength were measured. Sintered samples at 950 °C for 140 min expedited the highest volume shrinkage and density. Thermal expansion, hardness, and compression strength were improved as a result of reinforcing composites with graphene up to 1 wt. %.