Trace nano-Ti addition for graphene nanoplatelets/copper composites to simultaneously enhance strength-ductility and wear resistance

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)/copper composites containing nano-Ti addition were prepared using the vacuum hot-pressing sintering process. The effect of Nano-Ti on microstructure and mechanical properties of GNPs/ copper composite was investigated. Before the sintering of the composite powders, the massive nano-Ti particles decorated on the GNPs surface. The GNPs/Ti chemical reaction occurred during the sintering, and then formed abundant TiC particles. Hardness and strength of bulk GNPs/copper composites were enhanced evidently by nano-Ti addition, which increased with nano-Ti increasing. The nano-Ti addition achieved simultaneous strength-ductility enhancement of GNPs/copper composites. The hardness, tensile yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and tensile elongation of the composite with 3.0 wt% nano-Ti addition demonstrated respectively 128.2 %, 199.6 %, 125.9 %, and 30.6 % enhancement comparing with no nano-Ti added sample. The nano Ti addition can effectively improve the wear resistance of GNPs/copper composites. The relevant structural formation, strengthening-toughening and wear mechanisms of GNPs/copper composites with nano-Ti addition were discussed.