Microstructures and interfacial interactions of Al2O3 whiskers and graphene nano-platelets co-reinforced copper matrix composites

The mechanical properties and microstructures of Al₂O₃ whiskers and graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) co-reinforced Cu-matrix composites were studied. Cu-matrix composites with a variation of GNPs amount were fabricated by mechanical alloying followed by vacuum hot-pressing sintering and hot isostatic pressing. The Cu-matrix composite with 0.5 wt.% GNPs (GNPs-0.5) suggests a good interfacial bonding of both Cu/C and Cu/Al₂O₃ interfaces. Both the hardness and compressive strength of Cu-matrix composites show a consistent tendency that firstly increases to a critical value and then decreases with increasing GNPs amount. It is suggested that the most possible strengthening mechanisms of both GNPs and Al₂O₃ whisker working in the Cu-matrix composites involve energy dissipating and load transfer, as well as grain refinements for GNPs. The synergetic effect of GNPs and Al₂O₃ whiskers is highlighted that the embedded GNPs would hinder the crack path generated at the Al₂O₃/Cu interface and enhance the already outstanding strengthening effect that Al₂O₃ whiskers provide.