Fabrication of CNTs reinforced copper composite powders by electrochemical co-deposition

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced copper composite powders were fabricated by electrochemical co-deposition. The purification and modification of MWCNTs and the effect of surfactants on deposition process were studied to improve uniform distribution of CNTs in copper matrix and the interfacial adhesion between them. The results indicate that MWCNTs treated by mixture concentrated acid generate many functional groups, such as hydroxyl group and carboxyl group, which greatly improve the hydrophily of CNTs and the co-deposition of CNTs and copper cation in the electrolyte. Further, a good adhesion of CNTs in copper matrix is obtained in the present study as revealed through the micrograph analysis of as-deposited Cu/CNTs composite powders by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM).