Influence of carbon coating with phenolic resin in natural graphite on the microstructures and properties of graphite/copper composites

Carbon-coated graphite/copper composites were fabricated by using electrolytic copper powder and phenolic resin-coated graphite as raw materials via powder metallurgy method. The effect of natural graphite with phenolic resin coating on the microstructures and properties of graphite/copper composites was investigated. The results indicated that the surface of natural graphite was modified by phenolic resin. Smooth amorphous carbon shell with the thickness of 40 nm to 1 μm was formed on the surface of natural graphite after carbonizing at 900 °C for 2 h under hydrogen atmosphere. The sintering of Cu particles was accelerated by phenolic resin coating, and a continuous network-shaped Cu matrix with isolated graphite phase was formed in carbon-coated graphite/copper composites. The electrical conductivity, flexural strength, and tribological properties of graphite/copper composites were improved.