Effect of milling on dispersion of graphene nanosheet reinforcement in different morphology copper powder matrix

Abstract The effective dispersion of Graphene Nanosheet (GNS) as reinforcement was studied with various morphology of Copper (Cu) powder as matrix. High energy milling was used for modifying the morphology of the Cu powders. The Cu powder with Spherical and dentric shape was used in this study. Using high energy milling both the powders were milled for 8 h and 16 h respectively. The morphology of Cu powders was altered as flake shape upon milling. GNS (2 wt. %) was added as reinforcement uniformly with various morphology Cu powder used as matrix. The effect of size and shape of Cu as matrix on Cu/GNS composite properties was comprehensively studied. The Cu/GNS composite was prepared using powder metallurgy technique. Using the different shape and size of the Cu as matrix the interface of GNS has been studied. The hardness properties of Cu/GNS composite are evaluated. The effect of GNS interface in Cu particles has a significant influence on mechanical properties of composites. The hardness of Cu matrix composite has improved up to 20% compared to that of pure Cu. Thus morphology of Cu has the ability to improve the mechanical properties with GNS reinforcement.