The mechanical and friction properties of 3D skeleton-reinforced copper matrix composites with Al2O3 decorated graphene oxide as the reinforcements

In this study, copper composite foams reinforced with Al2O3 decorated graphene oxide (AG) were prepared via chemical plating and electrodeposition. Subsequently, copper powders were filled into the pores of the composite foams and then spark plasma sintering (SPS) was employed to fabricate the 3D skeleton-reinforced composites. The tensile strength reached 365 MPa for AG/Cuf®Cu composites, which was 47.1%, 33.7%, and 13% higher compared with the pure copper, Cuf®Cu, and GO/Cuf®Cu composites, respectively. Additionally, improved friction properties with obviously decreased friction coefficient and wear rate were shown in the AG/Cuf®Cu composite. The structure study and strengthening mechanism analysis indicated that the decoration of Al2O3 on the graphene oxide resulted in enhanced interface bonding, higher load transfer efficiency for the mechanical and friction properties improvement. •Copper composite foams reinforced with Al2O3 decorated graphene oxide (AG) were prepared.•Copper composites reinforced by AG/Cu composite foams were designed and prepared.•Enhanced mechanical and friction properties were shown in the composites.