SiC coated, CNT nanowire reinforced copper composite: preparation, microstructure and properties

Abstract

Copper matrix composites are engineering materials widely used in electrical and electronic applications. Therefore, enhancing their mechanical, electrical and thermal properties is essential. In this work, some results on the preparation of silicon carbide coated carbon nanotube nanowire (SiC@CNT NWs) reinforced copper (Cu) matrix composites were presented. SiC@CNT NWs prepared using a chemical vapor deposition method were mixed with Cu powder and then consolidated by spark plasma sintering to obtain SiC@CNTNW/Cu composites. The effects of SiC@CNT NW content on the microstructure, mechanical properties, tribological behavior, electrical and thermal properties were examined. Incorporation of 3 vol% SiC@CNT NWs enhanced hardness and ultimate tensile strength by 71% and 64%, respectively, while reducing the coefficient of friction (COF) by 40% and specific wear rate by 53%. These improvements are attributed to the SiC@CNT structure, which offers superior reinforcement efficiency. The coefficient of thermal expansion decreased with increasing nanowire fraction, consistent with the inherently lower CTE of SiC@CNT NWs. Based on Turner's model, the CTE and Young's modulus of the nanowires were estimated at 1.8 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ and 680 GPa, respectively.