Effect of milling on dispersion of graphene nanosheet reinforcement in different morphology copper powder matrix

TL;DR

This study investigates how milling-induced changes in copper powder morphology affect the dispersion and mechanical properties of graphene nanosheet-reinforced copper composites, demonstrating improved hardness through optimized morphology.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis of the impact of copper powder shape and size on GNS dispersion and composite hardness, utilizing high energy milling and powder metallurgy.

Findings

Milling alters copper powder to a flake shape, enhancing GNS dispersion.

Copper matrix composites show up to 20% increased hardness.

Morphology significantly influences the interface and mechanical properties of the composite.

Abstract

The effective dispersion of Graphene Nanosheet (GNS) as reinforcement was studied with various morphology of Copper (Cu) powder as matrix. High energy milling was used for modifying the morphology of the Cu powders. The Cu powder with Spherical and dentric shape was used in this study. Using high energy milling both the powders were milled for 8 h and 16 h respectively. The morphology of Cu powders was altered as flake shape upon milling. GNS (2 wt. %) was added as reinforcement uniformly with various morphology Cu powder used as matrix. The effect of size and shape of Cu as matrix on Cu/GNS composite properties was comprehensively studied. The Cu/GNS composite was prepared using powder metallurgy technique. Using the different shape and size of the Cu as matrix the interface of GNS has been studied. The hardness properties of Cu/GNS composite are evaluated. The effect of GNS interface in Cu particles has a significant influence on mechanical properties of composites. The hardness of Cu matrix composite has improved up to 20% compared to that of pure Cu. Thus morphology of Cu has the ability to improve the mechanical properties with GNS reinforcement.