Graphene and its derivative reinforced tungsten–copper composites for electrical contact applications: A review

Abstract

This review summarizes the advancement on sintered composites based on tungsten–copper (W–Cu) reinforced with graphene (Gr) or its derivative such as reduced Gr oxide (rGO) for use as electrical contacts applied in switching devices. Main synthesis approaches for preparing Gr or rGO reinforced W–Cu composite powders and their consolidations by using various powder metallurgy techniques are presented. The nature of the initial materials, synthesis conditions, processing parameters, and the relevant findings are disclosed and discussed. The improvement in microstructure and technical characteristics like density, electrical conductivity, hardness, coefficient of friction, wear rate, and arc ablation behavior of W–Cu–Gr/rGO composites are highlighted comparatively with that of unreinforced composites. This review reveals an insight into a novel class of composites as candidates for electrical contact applications.

Recent Advances in W–Cu Composites: A Review on the Fabrication, Application, Property, Densification, and Strengthening Mechanism

“…5) The electrode materials should be easy to process, abundant in source and low in price. [107] Only a single material is unable to meet the above requirements; electrical contacts and electrode materials generally need to be prepared by alloying or powder metallurgy of two or more kinds of materials with different properties. W-Cu composite is a typical material that meets abovementioned requirements, which shows excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, adjustable coefficient of linear expansion, high strength and relatively good ablative resistance, welding resistance, low cut-off, and other characteristics.…”

Effects on the Microstructure Evolution and Properties of Graphene/Copper Composite during Rolling Process

“…Graphene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial consisting of single-layered carbon atoms, has aroused the interest of many researchers because of its unique properties, including its ultrahigh carrier mobility [ 1 ], superior thermal conductivity [ 2 ], distinct strength and Young’s modulus [ 3 ]. In recent years, graphene-reinforced metal matrix composites have gained increasing attention due to their remarkable structural and functional performance, and have shown an enormous potential for thermal management and electrical applications [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. For instance, graphene/Cu composites-based heat sinks can be applied in smart electronic devices and high-performance computers [ 4 ], and tungsten–copper reinforced with graphene can be applied as electrical contacts in switching devices [ 5 ].…”

“…In recent years, graphene-reinforced metal matrix composites have gained increasing attention due to their remarkable structural and functional performance, and have shown an enormous potential for thermal management and electrical applications [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. For instance, graphene/Cu composites-based heat sinks can be applied in smart electronic devices and high-performance computers [ 4 ], and tungsten–copper reinforced with graphene can be applied as electrical contacts in switching devices [ 5 ]. Moreover, high-quality graphene grown on Cu substrates or thin metal films via a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is also expected to be used in electronic devices [ 10 , 11 ].…”