Enhancing Tensile Properties and Surface Roughness of (Gr + CNTs)/Cu Composite Foils

Abstract

Graphene (Gr) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were successfully deposited into the copper matrix by direct current electrodeposition, and the dispersion of their composites was improved by π–π bonds constructed by Gr and CNTs. The microscopic morphology of Gr and CNTs and the morphology, organization, tensile properties, and surface roughness of composite foils were characterized. The results show that Gr–CNT reinforcements were distributed in the copper foil matrix. As the concentration of Gr–CNTs in the electrolyte (gelatin 21 g/L, SPS 7 g/L) increased, the tensile strength increased from 271 ± 6 to 429 ± 10 MPa and then decreased to 375 ± 9 MPa, and the surface roughness (Sa) decreased from 1.720 ± 0.080 to 0.889 ± 0.090 μm and then increased to 1.371 ± 0.091 μm. The self-dispersing effect of Gr and CNTs and good concentration ratios of additives in this work provide a production possibility for the field of electrolytic copper foils.