The improved softening resistance and high electrical conductivity of the 3D graphene enhanced copper-based composite fabricated by liquid carbon source

Abstract

A bulk Cu/Graphene composite with high electrical conductivity (98.2%IACS) and high hardness (61.2 HV) was fabricated by vacuum hot-press sintering. Cu powder with in-situ grown graphene was prepared by non-toxic, cheap liquid paraffin at lower temperature. The in-situ grown 3D graphene act as an electron transport channel and hinder the movement of the grain boundary. After cold rolling and annealing, the Cu/Graphene composite maintained a high tensile strength of 369.4 MPa, high electrical conductivity of 96.1%IACS and good ductility (6%). Comparing with the pure Cu, the existence of Graphene raised the recrystallization temperature of the composite, and made the composite possess excellent softening resistance.