Enhanced mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of graphene nanoplatelets/Cu composites by in situ formation of Mo2C nanoparticles

Poor mechanical interfacial bonding between graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Cu is unfavorable to the comprehensive properties of the GNPs/Cu composites. Molybdenum carbide coating graphene nanoplatelets (Mo2C@GNPs) were prepared by impregnation reduction combined with in situ reaction to improve the interfacial bonding of Cu matrix composites. Compared with GNPs/Cu composites, Mo2C@GNPs/Cu composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties. It is due to the fact that Mo2C not only improves the interface bonding between the GNPs and Cu matrix, but also increases the strength of composites by dislocation strengthening as nanoparticle reinforcing phase. In addition, the conductivity of Mo2C@GNPs/Cu composites is higher than that of GNPs/Cu composites due to the improved interfacial bonding. This work sheds light on adding carbides to control the properties of GNPs/CU composites.