Mechanical enhancement of copper matrix composites with homogeneously dispersed graphene modified by silver nanoparticles

Reduced graphene oxide modified by silver nanoparticles (Ag-RGO) has been employed as a reinforcing component to prepare the copper matrix composites. The Cu composites with 0.6 vol% Ag-RGO exhibit a significant improvement in the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, being approximately 98% and 93% higher than that of pure Cu, respectively, much better than the RGO/Cu composites. Simultaneously, the electrical conductivity of Ag-RGO/Cu composites could reach 92.69% IACS. The significant strength enhancement is attributed to the addition of Ag nanoparticles which prevent the agglomeration of the RGO and enhance adhesion between the RGO and the Cu matrix. The results indicated that Ag-RGO is an effective reinforcing component to improve the mechanical properties of the graphene/metal composites.