OPTIMIZATION OF COPPER-GRAPHITE COMPOSITE MATERIALS THROUGH SPARK PLASMA SINTERING: IMPACT OF VARIED POWDER SIZES ON PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL, AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES

Sultanov Sulaymon; Ismoilov Raxmatjon; Mirzayev Otabek; Allabergenov Bunyod,  Sungjin Kim

doi:10.5281/zenodo.10210388

Sultanov Sulaymon, Ismoilov Raxmatjon, Mirzayev Otabek, Allabergenov Bunyod, Sungjin Kim

Abstract. In this study, copper-graphite composite materials were meticulously prepared using spark plasma sintering (SPS), manipulating the size of graphite and copper powders to achieve an optimal ratio. The physical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics were found to be directly influenced by the initial powder sizes. Specifically, by selecting an optimal copper-graphite ratio (Cu-G) and employing different SPS sintering temperatures, samples were fabricated using graphite and electrolytic grade copper powder as source materials. Notably, when the particle size of the copper and graphite exceeded several microns, the resulting samples exhibited deteriorated mechanical and electrical properties, leading to a decline in overall quality. The fabricated composite samples underwent comprehensive examination using micro-hardness testing, Hall system analysis, density testing, optical microscopy, and FE-SEM to explore thermal, compositional, and structural parameters

Keywords: copper-graphite composites, spark plasma sintering, planetary ball milling

References:

1. J.M. Garcia-Marquez, N. Anton, A. Jimenez, M. Madrid, M.A. Martinez and J.A. Bas, “Viability study and mechanical characterization of copper-graphite electrical contacts produced by adhesive joining,” J. Mater. Process. Technol. vol. 143/144, pp. 290-293, 2003. 2. D. Hai He and R. Manory, “A novel electrical contact material with improved self-lubrification for railway current collectors,” Wear, vol. 249, pp. 626-636, 2001. 3. C.H. Stoessel, J.C. Withers, C. Pan, D. Wallace and R.O. Loufty, “Improved hollow cathode magnetron deposition for producing high thermal conductivity graphite-copper composite,” Surf. Coat. Technol. vol. 76/77, pp. 640-644, 1995. 4. C. Schrank, C. Eisenmenger-Sittner, E. Neubauer, H. Bangert and A. Bergauer, “Solid state de-wetting observed for vapor deposited copper films on carbon substrates,” Thin Solid Films, vol. 459, pp. 276-281, 2004. 5. E. Hammel, X. tang, M. Trampert, T. Schmitt, K. Mauthner, A. Eder and P. P̈otschke, “Carbon nanofibers for composite applications,” Carbon, vol. 42, pp. 1153-1158, 2004. 6. M. Kestursatya, J.K. Kim and P.K. Rohatgi, “Wear performance of copper-graphite composite and a leaded copper alloy,” Mat. Sci. Eng. vol. A339, pp. 150-158, 2003. 7. Kim, S. J., etc. “The Fabrication of Porous Hydroxyapatite Including of Nano-Sized TiNx by Spark Plasma Sintering,” 7th Pacific Rim Conference on Ceramic and Glass Technology, Nov., vol. 14, 2007. 8. Ullbrand, J.M., Cardoba, J.M., Ariztondo, J.T., “Thermomechanical properties of copper-carbon nanofiber composites prepared by spark plasma sintering and hot pressing,” Composites Science and Technology, Vol. 70, pp. 2263-2268, 2010. 9. Kim, S. J., Oh, Y. H., Park, S. B., “Fabrication of Sputtered TiO2-x Nx Photocatalyst Using Spark Plasma Sintered Targets,” Materials Science Form, Mar., vol. 30, pp. 539-543, 2007.