Facile synthesis and characterization of reduced graphene oxide/copper composites using freeze-drying and spark plasma sintering

•Reduced graphene oxide/copper (rGO/Cu) composites were fabricated.•XRD and FT-IR studies to confirm the formation of rGO in the composites.•The composites exhibit better compressive strength than the unreinforced matrix.

Reduced graphene oxide/copper (rGO/Cu) composites were successfully fabricated by the combination of freeze-drying and spark plasma sintering. Microstructure and compressive property of as-prepared rGO/Cu composites were characterized. The results of microstructural observation indicated that the graphene oxide (GO) was effectively reduced in the composites, and the rGO exhibited both agglomerated and dispersed states in the Cu matrix. The compressive property investigation revealed that the rGO/Cu composites exhibited the higher yield strength, compared with the unreinforced as-sintered and as-cast pure Cu. However, the strengthening in the composites with higher rGO content accompanied with the expense of compressive ductility. The failure mechanisms of the composites and the influence of the introduction of rGO on the mechanical properties of the composites were discussed.