The role of graphene interlayer slipping on the deformation behavior of graphene/copper composite

In recent years, graphene/copper (Gr/Cu) composites have shown great potential in various fields. In practical applications, graphene can influence the microstructure of metal materials during deformation, and therefore change their macroscopic properties. Hence it is very important to study the deformation behavior of graphene in metals. In this study, a comparative investigation was undertaken between pure copper (pure Cu) and Gr/Cu composite, focusing on the mutual constraints between grains and the intra-grain deformation behavior. After rolling, pure Cu grains exhibit large orientation differences inside the grains, while the Gr/Cu composite shows a more uniform orientation within the grains. This discrepancy results from the graphene sheets interlayer slipping mechanism, which influences the slip and rotation of grains, thereby affecting the grain orientation spread (GOS) within the grains. The present research reveals the key role of graphene within the deformation of Gr/Cu composite, thereby providing critical insights for understanding and optimizing the deformation behavior of materials.