Influence of nanostructured Cu on the mechanical properties of Cu–MWCNTs composites

In the present investigation, Cu-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were developed through mechanical milling using nanostructured Cu as a matrix and MWCNTs as nanofillers. The influence of nanostructured Cu on the microstructure, microhardness, and wear behavior of Cu-MWCNTs nanocomposites was also studied. The crystallite size of nanostructured Cu powder via mechanical milling for 25 h was found to be 16 nm. The major challenge associated with the development of Cu-MWCNTs nanocomposites is the uniform dispersion of the CNTs in the Cu matrix, which was addressed by incorporating nanostructured Cu, leading to the homogeneous distribution of CNTs and good bonding between the CNTs and the Cu matrix. A significant improvement in relative density and microhardness with <3 wt.% MWCNTs was observed compared to pure asreceived Cu and its composites. The hardness of Cu-3 wt.% MWCNTs nanocomposite developed using nanostructured Cu were achieved at <800 MPa, which is about 2.3 times higher than that of the as-received Cu sample (~ 359 MPa). The significant increment in mechanical and wear properties mainly originates from fine-grain strengthening effects and solid solution strengthening. The wear mechanisms in the various nanostructured Cu-MWCNTs composites were studied in detail and oxidation wear was identified as one of the main wear mechanisms.