Properties of copper/graphite/carbon nanotubes composite reinforced by carbon nanotubes

Electroless Cu plating was used for flake G powder and CNTs, Cu–G–CNTs (copper/graphite/carbon nanotubes) composites were manufactured by means of powder metallurgical method. The influences of CNTs on the mechanical properties, conductivity properties, friction, and wear performance of the composite were examined. The results indicate that adding a small amount of CNTs can improve comprehensive property of the composites, especially mechanical property. However, excessive CNT, which is easily winding reunion and grain boundary segregation, results in performances degradation.