Preparation and properties of graphene reinforced Cu/0.5CeO230Cr electrical contact materials. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Shuang; Li, Lihua; Zhou, Meng; Liang, Shengli; Zhang, Yi; Huang, Jinliang; Tian, Baohong; Geng, Yongfeng; Liu, Yong; Jia, Yanlin; Li, Xu; Volinsky, Alex A.
• Is Part Of: Vacuum. Volume 195(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Copper matrix composites -- Graphene oxide -- Ceria nanoparticles -- In-situ formation -- Electrical contact; Vacuum -- Periodicals; 621.55
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2021.110687
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-207X

Abstract

Abstract: A graphene reinforced Cu/CeO2 Cr electrical contact material with high strength and electrical conductivity was designed. Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared with modified Hummers' method. Composite powders of GO, ceria nanoparticles, copper and chromium were prepared by freeze-drying. The GO-Cu/0.5CeO2 30Cr electrical contact material was prepared by spark plasma sintering. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization results indicated that during the sintering process, the graphene oxide was transformed into reduced graphene oxide (RGO). In addition, SEM and TEM characterization results indicated that the CeO2 nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the matrix, which hindered the movement of dislocations and improved the strength of the matrix, and a small amount of carbon atoms combined with Cr to form Cr3 C2, enhancing the interface bonding. Compared with Cu/0.5CeO2 30Cr composites, the electrical conductivity, hardness, tensile strength, and welding resistance of the two composites containing 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% GO were both improved and the 0.5GO-Cu/0.5CeO2 30Cr composites have better welding resistance. Highlights: Graphene oxide was prepared with modified Hummers method. The mechanics have been greatly improved. The mass transfer directions are from the cathode to anode. Liquid droplets, pores, cracks, and bulges formed on electrode surfaces. The 0.5GO-Cu/0.5CeO2 30Cr composite has the best welding performance.