Preparation and properties of 3D interconnected CNTs/Cu composites

In this paper, the 3D pore structure of CuCr powders were obtained by pre-press shaping process, and finally the 3D interconnected carbon nanotubes/copper (CNTs/Cu) composites with excellent properties were insitu synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The morphology and structure of CNTs/Cu composites are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results showed that the quality of CNTs and the interfacial bonding strength of CNTs/Cu composites can be improved owing to the 3D pore structure. Meanwhile, the 3D pore structure was favorable to avoid pollution of CNTs during the synthesis process. The tensile strength of CNTs/Cu composites increased to 421.2 MPa, with 47.6% enhancements compared to CuCr. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction (COF) reduced to 0.22 and the corrosion resistance were increased by 51.86% compared to CuCr. Consequently, our research provides a novel and an effective method for the synthesis of high quality CNTs/Cu composites.