Effect of Graphene and E-Glass Fiber Reinforcement on Mechanical Hardness and Corrosion Resistance of Copper Matrix Composite.

This study explores the mechanical and corrosion characteristics of copper-based metal matrix composites reinforced with graphene and E-glass fibers. Hardness was evaluated using a static indentation test, revealing a significant increase in Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) from 61 to 104 with increased reinforcement content. The results show that hybrid composites containing both graphene and E-glass fibers outperform singly reinforced composites due to localized reinforcement zones that improve mechanical resistance. Corrosion behavior, assessed through the weight loss method, demonstrated that the incorporation of graphene and E-glass fibers significantly reduced the corrosion rate of copper in aqueous environments. This improvement is attributed to the synergistic barrier effect offered by the impermeability of graphene and the chemical inertness of E-glass fibers. The study highlights the dual advantage of these reinforcements in enhancing both structural and environmental durability, making them promising candidates for advanced structural applications.