Study of Processing and Microstructure of Copper Composite Reinforced with Graphene Nanosheet by Powder Metallurgy Technique

Copper (Cu) composite reinforced with graphene nanosheet (GNS) is obtained by powder metallurgy technique. The microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated based on the Cu composite reinforced with various GNS content (0, 1, and 2 wt.%). The characterization is carried out through Raman spectra (RS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that GNS is uniformly dispersed in the Cu particle. Raman spectra and FTIR demonstrate the reduction of GNS from Graphene oxide (GO) oxide in GNS after heat treatment at 550 and 650A degrees C. The TEM analysis confirms GNS to be 3-5 nm in size. During compression tests, the Cu-2 wt.% GNS composite demonstrates 9% higher compressive stress compared to pure Cu.