Wear Performance and Nanomechanical Behavior of Sonoelectroplated Cu-Graphene Nanocomposite Thin Films

Few-layer graphene nanosheets (FLGN) and reduced FLGN (rFLGN) have been used as reinforcement with a copper matrix to produce nanocomposite thin film by sonoelectrodeposition method onto Cu substrates. FLGN and rFLGN used in the study were prepared by electrochemical intercalation and exfoliation technique. The phase and structures of FLGN to rFLGN were ratified then after. The prepared composite films were analyzed to confirm the matrix and reinforcement phases, and then the wear behavior has been studied in detail. It was found that all the composite films have better wear properties, i.e., low wear depth, width and rate, low coefficient of friction as compared to pure Cu films. The said improvement is mainly due to the uniform distribution of graphene in the metal matrix and increased hardness (up to 38% higher) and stiffness. Further, the wear mechanism was either abrasive or a combination of abrasive and adhesive types. The Cu-rFLGN composites did show an adhesive type of wear leading to delamination of Cu layers.