Microstructures and mechanical properties of Cu/Ti3SiC2/C/graphene nanocomposites prepared by vacuum hot-pressing sintering and hot isostatic pressing

Abstract

Copper-graphite composite is an ideal friction material due to its good heat resistance, wear resistance and friction coefficient stability. The addition of Ti3SiC2 can improve strength, hardness and wear resistance of coppergraphite alloy material without affecting its self-lubricating properties and electrical conductivity. Two-dimensional graphene has become an attractive composite reinforcement owing to their unique electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. Cu/Ti3SiC2/C/Graphene naocomposite materials reinforced with graphene have been fabricated by vacuum hot-pressing sintering and hot isostatic pressing. Microstructures and mechanical properties of Cu/Ti3SiC2/C/Graphene naocomposite materials with different graphene contents have been systematically investigated. Microstructures of the composites were examined by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, back scattered electron imaging, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer and transmission electron microscope. The mechanical properties were determined from Brinell hardness, tensile, compressive and shear tests. Results demonstrated that there was an optimum value of graphene content which has an impact on microstructures and mechanical properties of Cu/Ti3SiC2/C/Graphene naocomposite materials. Based on graphene content on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu/Ti3SiC2/C/Graphene naocomposite materials, strengthening and fracture mechanisms by graphene reinforcement have been analyzed.

Synergetic effect of nano-carbon and HBN on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu/Ti3SiC2/C nanocomposites

“…On both sides of the graphene are the matrix, and the graphene is not flush with the surrounding matrix and partially protrudes from the matrix. This phenomenon was also observed in previous reports [14,35]. There are two possibilities for this phenomenon.…”

“…Figure 5b is the total spectrum map of the area in Figure 5a. because there is no reaction between various phases or the reaction layer is too thin to be observed, which indicates that the combination between phases belongs to mechanical locking, just as in previous reports [33,35]. The combination of the reinforcements and the interface can be observed and analyzed at microscopic level by TEM.…”

Preparation and properties of composite materials containing graphene structures and their applicability in personal protective equipment: A Review

“…The activation energy is also lower, so that the sintering process of nanomaterials is faster and the full density of the material is obtained at lower temperatures in comparison to polycrystalline materials. This method was used to obtain, among others, Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 [38], Si 3 N 4 [39] or Cu/Ti 3 SiC 2 /C [40] composites with graphene.…”

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-ZTA cermet prepared by vacuum hot pressing sintering

“…Mechanical alloying is an important method for strengthening Cu-based composites [37][38][39]. figure 3(a).…”

“…The copper particles and other alloy elements are combined into a cluster during continuous stirring [33], the EDS results demonstrate that the cluster particles are composed of various elements (figure 3(b)). Mechanical alloying can also achieve interatomic bonding between the various metal powder [39].…”