Effect of Powder Preparation Techniques on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Wear Behaviors of Graphene-Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites

In this study, the effect of powder preparation techniques on microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear behaviors of graphene-reinforced copper matrix (Gr/Cu) composites was investigated. The composite powders were prepared by two different techniques including high-energy ball (HEB) milling and nanoscale dispersion (ND). The obtained results showed that the ND technique allows the preparation of the composite powder with a smaller and more uniform grain size compared to the HEB technique. By adding Gr, the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the composite were much improved compared to pure Cu. In addition, the composite using the powder prepared by the ND technique exhibits the best performance with the improvement in hardness (40%), tensile strength (66%) and wear resistance (38%) compared to pure Cu. This results from the uniform grain size of the Cu matrix and the good bonding between Cu matrix and Gr. The strengthening mechanisms were also analyzed to clarify the contribution of the powder preparation techniques on the load transfer strengthening mechanisms of the prepared composite.