Simultaneous improvement of electrical conductivity and mechanical property of Cr doped Cu/CNTs composites. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zuo, Tingting; Li, Jian; Gao, Zhaoshun; Wu, Yue; Zhang, Ling; Da, Bo; Zhao, Xingke; Xiao, Liye
• Is Part Of: Materials today communications. Volume 23(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Cu/CNTs composite -- Interface -- Electrical conductivity -- Carbide; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.100907
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-4928

Abstract

Highlights: (Cu-χCr)-0.5%CNT are designed in consideration of improving the interface. The doping effect of Cr on electrical conductivity and hardness is investigated. Moderate amount of Cr3 C2 formed is conductive to load and current transfer. The (Cu-0.07%Cr)-0.5%CNT exhibits the highest electrical conductivity. Abstract: Acquiring high electrical conductivity and good mechanical property is a key issue for Cu/CNTs composites, which affects their potential applications in electrical material field. In this study, Cr was induced in the Cu matrix to enhance the interfacial bonding. Different amounts of Cr were chosen to thoroughly investigate their effect on the interface structure, the electrical conductivity and the mechanical property. By tailoring the combined effects of good densification, uniform dispersion of CNTs, moderate amount of carbide at the Cu/CNTs interface, strong interfacial bonding force and suitable Cu matrix microstructure, the good overall performance was obtained in a (Cu-0.07 wt.%Cr)-0.5 wt.%CNTs composite. The addition of trace amounts of Cr leads to in-situ formation of an appropriate amount of nano chromium carbide (Cr3 C2 ) at the Cu/CNTs interface, which improves the interface wettability and benefits the current transfer and load transfer, and hence improves the conductivity while increasing the hardness.