Graphene Reinforced Copper Matrix Nano-Composite for Resistance Seam Welding Electrode

Five samples contain 0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 wt. % graphene (GNs) were prepared by the powder metallurgy technique. The 20 (WC-TiC-Co) wt. %, 5wt. %Ni, and the different weight percentages of the graphene (GNs) were coated by copper by the electroless coating process. The effect of the GNs on the density, hardness, compressive strength, and thermal expansion was studied. The microstructure revealed an excellent distribution for the different reinforcements and good adhesion between them. The results indicate that the hardness and the compressive resistance were significantly improved. These improvements were attributed to the remarkable mechanical and physical properties of the GNs. The thermal expansion was decreased by increasing the GNs content.