An electrodeposition approach to obtaining carbon nanotubes embedded copper powders for the synthesis of copper matrix composites

CNTs/Cu composite powders were fabricated using an electrodeposition process, and consolidated by hot pressing followed by cold rolling. The electrodeposition is a promising method to obtain homogeneously dispersed CNTs/Cu powders in terms of effective control of CNTs content and particle size of powders during the process. The effects of Cu ions concentration in electrolyte on the dispersion and content of CNTs in powders, particle size, and properties of composites were studied. The electrodeposited CNTs/Cu powders show large amount of embedded CNTs that are strongly bonded with the Cu matrix, and a CNTs network architecture formed in the Cu grains. The particle size 52.72 μm of powders is obtained at Cu ions concentration of 10 g/L in electrolyte. The tensile strength and electrical conductivity of consolidated CNTs/Cu composites are about 418 MPa and more than 90 ± 0.16% IACS, respectively. The CNTs network is beneficial to load transfer efficiency and bridge linking for improving strength, but also provides electron transport pathways for high electrical conductivity.