Enhanced physical and mechanical properties of Cu-based nanocomposites with bundled multi-layered carbon nanotubes incorporation: fabrication and comparative analysis via conventional sintering and SPS techniques

The current investigation delves into the influence of incorporating bundled multi-layered graphene sheets, specifically multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), on the microstructure, as well as the physical and mechanical attributes of Cu-based nanocomposites. Various weight percentages (1%, 2%, 3%, and 5%) of MWCNTs were infused into the Cu matrix, and the fabrication of these nanocomposites was conducted through the powder technology route. The fabrication process occurred under an argon atmosphere utilizing both conventional sintering and spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques. The conventionally sintered Cu-based nanocomposite reinforced with 1% MWCNT exhibited the highest relative density (~86%), hardness (~551.12 MPa), compressive strength (~459 MPa), and outstanding resistance to wear. Conversely, the SPS-fabricated nanocomposite reinforced with the same MWCNT concentration demonstrated the highest relative density (approximately 94.25%) and compressive strength (~688 MPa), while the nanocomposite reinforced with 2% MWCNT displayed the highest hardness (~1178 MPa) and resistance to wear. Notably, a higher concentration of MWCNTs was observed to adversely affect the physical, mechanical, and wear properties of the Cu-MWCNT nanocomposites, irrespective of the chosen sintering technique for their production.