The Effect of In-Situ-Grown Graphene from Highland Barley Powder on the Properties of Copper Matrix Materials

In situ graphene was grown on the surface of copper particles using highland barley powder, which is rich in sucrose and β-glucan, as a carbon source. The graphene content in the graphene-coated copper (Gr@Cu) composite powder was 4.98 wt.%. A characteristic angle of approximately 14° was observed between the graphene and copper crystal planes, indicating strong interfacial bonding. Raman spectroscopy revealed an ID/IG ratio of 0.96 for the graphene. Owing to the in situ growth of graphene, the mechanical properties of the copper matrix are effectively strengthened. At a graphene content of 0.7 wt.%, the graphene was uniformly dispersed within the copper matrix, resulting in optimized mechanical properties of the composite. This composite exhibited a conductivity of 70% IACS and a compressive yield strength of 175 MPa.