Mechanical Properties of Graphene Oxide-Copper Composites

Abstract

Due to their characteristics, sintered Cu-C composites are materials used in electrical equipment. These characteristics include high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and excellent resistance to abrasion. Currently, graphite nanopowder is used successfully as a carbon material. Metal-graphite, which is created on its basis, exists in different proportions of graphite to metal. A larger graphite content has a positive effect on smaller wear of commutators and rings. In contrast, a material with a higher copper content is used at high current densities. An example of such machines is a DC motor starter characterized by low voltage and large current. Tribological properties of Cu-C composites depend on the form of carbon they include. Owing to the capability to manufacture graphene, it has become possible to produce composites with its content. The present study tested the effect of a graphene oxide content on tribological properties in contact with steel. Tests were conducted on a ball-on-disk apparatus in conditions of dry friction. Microscopic observation was performed on the Hitachi SU70 field emission electron microscope. EDS analyses were performed using the Thermo Scientific X-ray Microanalysis system. Disk wear and surface geometrical structure parameters (SGP) of the samples after tribological tests were determined on the basis of measurements made on the Talysurf 3D contact profilometer from Taylor Hobson.