Graphene-Reinforced Copper Composite Foils with Simultaneous Improvement of Hardness and Corrosion Resistance
摘要
To improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of copper, an electrolyte containing 0.5 g/L graphene was prepared (200 mL volume). Subsequently, graphene-reinforced copper composite foils were prepared using direct current electrodeposition method. The microstructure, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance of the composites were investigated in artificial seawater. Following corrosion testing, sample surfaces and compositional characteristics were comprehensively examined through morphological and compositional analysis. The results indicated that the hardness of the copper/graphene (Cu/Gr) foil was 1.91 GPa, which is an increase of 21.7% compared to the hardness of copper foil (~1.57 GPa), while exhibiting electrical conductivity comparable to that of copper foil. The strengthening effect of the graphene volume fraction on hardness was accurately calculated by Micro-Mechanics Model. The hardness values obtained from theoretical calculations match the hardness data measured in experiments. The measured contact angle of the Cu/Gr foil was 103 ± 1.8°, indicating a change from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The results from artificial seawater corrosion tests showed that, compared to copper foil, the corrosion potential of the Cu/Gr foil shifted positively by 16 mV, and the corrosion current density decreased by 49.727 μA/cm2. The second-phase strengthening effect of graphene significantly enhanced the physical properties of the copper foil. The transition from hydrophilic (~74°) to hydrophobicity (~103°) of the material surface also plays an important role.