Design and preparation of amorphous carbon nanotubes reinforced copper

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced copper (CNTs/Cu) is one of the most promising and extensively researched materials for replacing traditional Cu-based materials in high-load and high-current applications, particularly within the aerospace industry. Amorphous carbon nanotubes (aCNTs) are a type of carbon nanotubes characterized by the presence of mesopores distributed across their amorphous sidewalls, facilitating connectivity between the hollow core and the external environment. Therefore, we propose utilizing aCNTs as a reinforcing agent for Cu. The mesoporous structure of aCNTs facilitates the interpenetration of Cu into the aCNTs, thereby maintaining the continuity of the matrix properties. Experimental results demonstrate that Cu effectively penetrates the mesoporous sidewalls of aCNTs. Both pure Cu and aCNTs-reinforced Cu exhibit comparable electrical conductivity, while the hardness of the aCNTs/Cu composite is significantly enhanced. Additionally, both the density and porosity of aCNTs/Cu are lower than those of pure Cu, and the introduction of aCNTs helps to reduce the sintering temperature.