Abstract:
The nano-scale WC interface phases were pr-introduced on the surface of carbon nanotubes (WC@CNTs) by chemical vapor deposition using CH
4 served as the C source and ammonium metatungstate served as the W source. Subsequently, the WC@CNTs reinforced copper matrix composites (WC@CNTs/Cu) were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effects of WC on the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites were studied in detail. The results show that, the “CNTs–WC–Cu” interface formed after the introduction of WC can not only effectively transfer the stress, but also effectively improve the interfacial electrical conductivity by reducing the inelastic scattering of the interface, making the WC@CNTs/Cu composites exhibit the excellent mechanical and electrical conductivity. When the addition amount of CNTs is 1% by volume, the ultimate tensile strength of the WC@CNTs/Cu composites reaches 302 MPa, which is 34.2% higher than that of the CNTs/Cu composites and 41.1% higher than that of pure Cu, while still maintaining the excellent fracture elongation of 27%. Additionally, the WC@CNTs/Cu composites exhibit the electrical conductivity of 94.4%IACS, which is comparable to that of pure Cu prepared by the same method.