Over the last several decades, there has been a considerable interest in the use of Cu-based metal matrix composites (MMCs). Cu has a wide range of excellent properties like high electrical conductivity (5.98 × 10⁶ S/m), thermal conductivity (401 W∙m⁻¹∙K⁻¹) and corrosion resistance. Cu has a melting point of 1083.4˚C and its density is 8.96 gm/cc. Its Young’s modulus is 130 GPa. Its yield strength is 117 MPa while its tensile strength is 210 MPa. The main drawback associated with Cu is its relatively low strength. For many applications pure Cu cannot be used because of its low strength. Therefore, improvement in the properties of Cu has become essential for its use in cutting-edge technological applications. Cu is used as a structural material for cooling as it has high thermal conductivity. In order to increase its high temperature properties, different reinforcements are being used. In recent years, graphene has attracted considerable research interest due to its unique properties. Graphene is a two-dimensional platelet made of carbon atoms. It is a one atom thick material and is a promising nanofiller that could improve the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the composites. Its excellent mechanical properties make it an ideal reinforcement for developing nanocomposites. It has a modulus of elasticity of 1 TPa and a fracture strength is 125 GPa. The electrical resistivity of graphene is 10⁻⁶ Ω∙cm and its thermal conductivity is ~3080 - 5300 W/m∙K. One possible way of harnessing the extraordinary properties of graphene is by dispersing graphene in the polymer, metal or ceramic matrix [1] -[5] . Graphene nanoplatelets can be developed economically in large quantities which is why they are now considered as one of the most effective and economical reinforcements that could be used for developing metal matrix composites. Metal matrix composites are today extensively used in automobile and aerospace applications. Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) could be an attractive reinforcement material for Cu-based metal matrix composites due to its high strength and elastic modulus. Unlike many other additives, graphite nanoplatelets can improve several mechanical properties of the matrix like stiffness, strength, surface hardness and wear resistance. The xGnP has platelet morphology and each platelet consists of several sheets of graphene. An important factor in producing xGnP is its low cost and the ease with which it can be produced. This makes the development of nanocomposites reinforced with xGnP very feasible. The unique combination of morphology and properties of the xGnP makes it a very versatile material that can act as a multifunctional additive for several potential applications [6] -[11] .

This work explores the potential of using xGnP as a reinforcement in Cu-based metal matrix composites. Cu-xGnP nanocomposites containing different wt% of xGnP were fabricated using powder metallurgy route. Here an expandable graphite also known as the graphite intercalation compound (GIC) is developed first. It is prepared from natural flake graphite using acid intercalation in the presence of an oxidizing agent. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) has been used as the acid intercalant and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been used as an oxidizing agent. The GIC was later given a thermal treatment to produce exfoliated graphite. The expandable graphite prepared using the acid intercalation process can expand several times its original volume when heated to high temperatures [12] -[14] . Finally the thermally exfoliated graphite was sonicated in acetone in order to achieve further exfoliation. The xGnP developed was used as reinforcement in Cu-based metal matrix composites. In the present study Cu-1, 2, 3 and 5 wt% xGnP composites were developed. Effects of addition of xGnP on the morphology and the mechanical, tribological and fracture behavior of Cu-xGnP composites have been investigated.

Elemental Cu powder having purity > 99% and average particle size of ~27 µm and natural flake graphite (NFG) having 98% purity and mesh size of ~60 were procured form Loba Chemie. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) having 98% purity and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) having 30 vol% concentration was obtained from Merck India. All reagents used were of analytical grade and had the highest commercially available purity. Expandable graphite was prepared at room temperature from the natural flake graphite by mixing 16 ml of H₂SO₄ (98%) as an intercalant and 1.5 ml H₂O₂ (30%) as an oxidant with 6 gm of natural flake graphite under vigorous stirring. The mixture was placed for 1 h 30 min in a magnetic stirrer. The reaction mixture which was prepared after stirring was repeatedly washed and filtered in distilled water in order to achieve an aqueous mixture solution having pH in the range of 5 - 7. Once the acidic impurities were removed and the prepared mixture was obtained through sedimentation it was then dried at 60˚C for 30 h before further heat treatment. Finally the expandable graphite powder was subjected to a thermal shock in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 1000˚C for 30 s in an air atmosphere resulting in the formation of thermally exfoliated graphite. The thermally exfoliated graphite was then dispersed in acetone in a magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes and thereafter it was dispersed in an ultrasonicator for 5 h in acetone in order to achieve further exfoliation. Figure 1 shows the schematic diagram illustrating the various steps that have been undertaken for the synthesis of the exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP).

After proper mixing of the Cu and xGnP powders the Cu-xGnP samples were developed by uniaxial cold compaction of the powder under a load of 565 MPa followed by sintering at 850˚C for 2 h in inert atmosphere. Cu-1, 2, 3, 5 wt% xGnP composites were developed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the various powders and composites were done in a Phillips PANalytical diffractometer using Cu K_α radiation (λ = 0.15406 nm).

The microstructure of the composites were characterized using a JEOL JSM-6480LV scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an Oxford Instrument INCAPentaFET-x3 energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis system. A FEI NOVA NANO SEM 450(FEG) field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with EDS (Bruker) was also used for analyzing the microstructure. A JEM-2100 JEOL HRTEM with a point to point resolution of 0.194 nm was used for analyzing the structure of graphite nanoplatelets. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis was conducted by deposition of the graphite nanoplatelets on a mica substrate. A Park XE 70 AFM with a 100 × 100 µm XY-scanner and 10 µm Z-scanner having a minimum lateral resolution of the order of 1 nm was used to analyze the samples using the non-contact mode. The non-contact tapping mode allows us nanometer resolution without disturbing the surface of the substrate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data was collected using a PHI 5000 VersaProbe II spectrometer with a monochromatized Al K_α X-ray source (1486.6 eV). All multiplex scans used pass energy of 23.5 eV with a scan step of 0.1 eV. The number of sweeps per peak was 10 and the scan range for binding energy was 0 - 1200 eV. Each XPS core level, i.e., C1s and O1s, considered in this study was analyzed using Shirley background subtraction and resolution into components via a curve fitting procedure using Lorentz peak fitting. A Shimadzu IR Prestige 21 Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and a JobinYvon Horiba T64000 Raman spectrometer was used for spectroscopic analysis. The density of the samples was measured by Archimedes’ principle. A Ducom ball-on-plate tribometer was used for the wear test of the various samples. Wear test was done under a load of 15 N using a diamond indenter. A Leeco Vickers microhardness tester was used to determine the hardness of the various samples. The tensile tests of the various samples were performed in an Instron 1195 computerized universal testing machine (UTM).

The X-ray diffraction spectra of the as-received natural flake graphite (NFG) and the exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) are shown in Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b) respectively. From the X-ray diffraction of the as- received NFG in Figure 2(a) it can be concluded that it is highly crystalline and has a very intense (002) peak at 2θ = 26.42˚ having a d-spacing of 3.3701 Ǻ. Both the NFG and the xGnP showed (002) as the highest intensity peak at 26.42˚. However, a comparison of the XRD plots in Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b) shows a slight reduction in the intensity of the (002) peak in the case of xGnP as compared to that of the as-received NFG. In the case of xGnP the increased exfoliation achieved by the thermal exfoliation of the GIC followed by sonication in acetone in order to achieve further exfoliation has led to the reduction in the intensity of the (002) peak. This reduction in the peak intensity is associated with the characteristic interlayer spacing of the graphite. The distance between the graphite layers has increased due to the thermal exfoliation of the GIC and subsequent sonication in acetone. The graphite layers have separated and there is an apparent increase in the volume. The less intensity of the (002) peak in the case of xGnP clearly indicates that the as-received NFG has been exfoliated [15] [16] .

Figure 3(a) and Figure 3(b) show the SEM images of the NFG. The SEM images show agglomerated particles of graphite. Figure 4(a) is the HRTEM image of the NFG. The SAD image in Figure 4(b) shows hexagonal patterns which indicate the six-fold symmetry of the carbon atoms arranged in the graphite plane. This confirms the highly crystalline nature of the NFG.

The exfoliation of intercalated graphite is a phase transition process which involves the vapourization of the

intercalate in the graphite lattice. The xGnP formed by subjecting the GIC to a thermal shock at 1000˚C for 30 s followed by sonication in acetone in order to achieve further exfoliation is found to consist of several sheets of graphene stacked together. The diameter of the platelets range from submicrons to more than 100 µm. The xGnP has been synthesized here from the GIC through rapid evaporation of the intercalant at an elevated temperature. The thermal exfoliation of the acid-intercalated graphite is known to produce few layer graphene very successfully [17] [18] . The product obtained is a very low density material having high temperature resistance. The compression of graphite nanoplatelets results in a material that has high lubricity and flexibility. The SEM micrographs in Figures 5(a)-(f) show the surface and interior structures of the xGnP synthesized by ultrasonication of the thermally exfoliated graphite. A large amount of inner pores between the flakes is visible in the SEM images. The xGnP has a lamellar structure. The SEM images show that the graphite nanoplatelets are not flat but have a flower petal like morphology. The ultrasonication method used for further exfoliation of the thermally exfoliated graphite has resulted in platelets having very high aspect ratio [19] [20] .

The HRTEM micrographs of the xGnP synthesized from the NFG in Figures 6(a)-(d) show its morphology. The HRTEM images show that the xGnP are composed of several layers of graphene stacked together. These images suggest that the xGnP are highly transparent and have folded edges. In the HRTEM images in Figures 6(a)-(c) wrinkles could also be seen at the edges of the xGnP. A large number of broken graphite platelets could be seen in the HRTEM images. The xGnP have a large surface area with diameter of several microns. Due to their high surface area, the xGnP have a high tendency to coalesce into overlapped structures. Figure 6(d) is the HRTEM image at the rim of the graphite nanoplatelet. Figure 6(e) shows the SAD pattern of the xGnP along the [0 0 1] zone axis [21] [22] .

The AFM analysis of the xGnP is shown in Figure 7(a). The AFM image shows regions where the change in elevation of as low as 3 nm could be detected. Considering that the thickness of the pristine graphene sheet is only 0.34 nm the number of graphene layers present in the platelet would be less than 10. However, the AFM analysis also shows areas where there is agglomeration of xGnP. The XPS analysis of the xGnP in Figure 7(b) shows that the atomic % of C is 96.2% and that of O as 3.8% [23] -[25] .

The synthesis of xGnP was further confirmed by using Raman spectroscopy. Using this technique it is possible to identify graphene from graphite and few-layers graphene. Raman spectroscopy is able to probe disorder in graphene through defect-activated peaks. The Raman spectra in Figure 8 consist of a set of distinct peaks. The G and D peaks appear around 1580 and 1350 cm⁻¹ respectively. The G peak corresponds to the E2g phonon at the Brillouin zone center whereas the D peak is due to the breathing modes of the six-atom rings and requires a defect for its activation. The 2D peak (also called G0) is the second order of the D peak. This is a single peak in the case of single layer graphene, whereas it splits into four bands in bilayer graphene, reflecting the evolution of the electron band structure. Raman measurements were conducted on several spots of the NFG, thermally exfoliated graphite and xGnP obtained by ultrasonication of the thermally exfoliated graphite. The Raman spectra of the xGnP shows a sharp and strong G peak which is specific for sp₂ carbon and reveals the high quality of the xGnP. A sharp G peak and a weaker D peak indicate the presence of few layers of graphene in the xGnP. The D peak is specific for disorders and defects which arise from the lattice deformation due to acid intercalation. The broad multi-band peaks around 2695 cm⁻¹ (2D) are consistent with the multilayer feature of the xGnP.

Graphene is a planar sheet of sp2 bonded carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Disorder plays an important role on graphene properties. The formation of the GIC from the NFG led to the increased fictionalization and covalent bond formation. The intensity ratio of the D band at 1350 cm⁻¹ to G band at 1580 cm⁻¹ (ID/IG) can serve as a convenient measurement of the amount of defects in the graphitic materials. The ID/IG ratio for the NFG was found to be 0.10 whereas the ID/IG ratio increased slightly after the thermal exfoliation of the GIC at 1000˚C for 30 seconds and was found to be 0.12. The ID/IG ratio shows even further increase for the xGnP obtained by ultrasonication of the thermally exfoliated graphite and was found to be nearly equal to 0.29. This ratio indicates that the crystal structure of xGnP has been preserved and is well ordered. However, the slight rise

in the value of ID/IG ratio can be explained by the destruction of the C=C aromacity and the disappearance of the sp² carbon hexagonal structure. These results suggest that the exfoliation process was effective [26] -[28] .

Figure 9 shows the FTIR spectrum for the xGnP recorded in the range of 400 - 4000 cm⁻¹. A band of skeletal vibrations from the graphitic domains could be seen at around 1421 cm⁻¹. At 1620 cm⁻¹ skeletal vibrations from unoxidized graphitic domains were observed. Stretching vibrations from C=O could be seen at around 1720 cm⁻¹ due to the remaining of carboxyl groups and at 1060 cm⁻¹ C-O stretching vibrations could be seen. The C=C bending vibrations occur at frequencies below 500 cm⁻¹. The peaks at around 2400 cm⁻¹ correspond to the stretching and deformation vibrations of CH₂. The peak at 2953.12 cm⁻¹ corresponds to the C-H group. The bands of O-H stretching vibrations are seen at 3400 cm⁻¹ in the FTIR plot of the xGnP. Thus FTIR spectroscopy provided convincing proof that the natural flake graphite was effectively transformed to xGnP by thermal shock [29] [30] .

So far only few reports have been published on the use of graphite nanoplatelets to improve the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites. Here in our work the graphite nanoplatelets developed were subsequently used for the development of the Cu-xGnP composites. The Cu and xGnP powder mixtures were blended and consolidated under a load of 565 MPa followed by sintering at 850˚C for 2 h in inert atmosphere. Cu-1, 2, 3 and 5 wt% xGnP composites were developed. X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out for pure Cu and Cu-xGnP

composites in the range of 2θ = 20˚ - 100˚ as shown in Figure 10(a). Peaks corresponding to the (111), (200), (220) (311) and (222) planes of FCC Cu could be seen in the XRD plot. The XRD peak at 2θ = 26.7˚ corresponds to the (002) crystal plane of xGnP. The (002) peak of xGnP could be seen clearly in the XRD plots of Cu-3 and 5 wt% xGnP composite. The intensity of the (002) peak of xGnP at 2θ = 26.7˚ increased with the increase of its content in the Cu-xGnP composite as seen in Figure 10(b). Besides this few peaks corresponding to Cu₂O could also be seen in the XRD plots of the various Cu-xGnP composites. This is due to the oxidation of Cu to Cu₂O. XRD analysis also indicated that there is no carbide formation in the composites. The binary phase diagram of the Cu-C system in Figure 10(c) also shows the absence of any compounds between Cu and C [31] - [33] .

The various samples of Cu-xGnP composites were observed under an optical microscope. The optical micrograph of Cu-1 and 2 wt% xGnP composite in Figure 11(b) and Figure 11(c) respectively clearly show that there is a homogeneous distribution of fine xGnP throughout the Cu matrix. The xGnP is evenly distributed throughout the Cu matrix and there is no evidence of agglomeration in these samples. Addition of more than 2 wt% of xGnP in the Cu matrix leads to the agglomeration of xGnP in the Cu matrix. The optical micrograph of Cu-3 wt% xGnP nanocomposite shown in Figure 11(d) shows small agglomerates of xGnP in the range of ~35 µm. Large agglomerates of xGnP could be clearly seen in the case of Cu-5 wt% xGnP nanocomposites. The optical micrograph of Cu-5 wt% xGnP composite in Figure 11(e) shows agglomerates of xGnP having size of ~282 µm.

Additional characterization by SEM along with EDS of the samples were done for finding out the distribution of xGnP in the various composites. Similar results as seen in the optical micrographs could also be seen in the SEM images of the various Cu-xGnP composites. Cu-1 wt% xGnP nanocomposite shows a very uniform distribution of xGnP in the Cu matrix in Figure 12(a). The SEM image in Figure 12(b) of Cu-3 wt% xGnP shows slightly larger agglomerates of xGnP in the Cu matrix suggesting that addition of higher wt% of xGnP could possibly lead to agglomeration of the xGnP. The SEM image of Cu-5 wt% xGnP in Figure 12(c) clearly shows large agglomerates of xGnP in the Cu matrix. The EDS analysis of the dark region in the Cu-5 wt% xGnP composite sample in Figure 12(c) shows that the large dark agglomerates are 100% C confirming that these regions are agglomerates of xGnP. The performance of nanocomposites depends on the dispersion of the nanofillers in the matrix. HRTEM is a widely used technique to evaluate the dispersion of the nanofillers in a metal matrix. HRTEM micrographs were collected to gain better understanding of the xGnP dispersion in the Cu matrix. The HRTEM images of the Cu-2 wt% xGnP nanocomposites in Figures 12(d)-(f) reveal that the xGnPs maintained their inherent layered structure even after being sintered, although a few agglomerations of xGnP could also be observed. No gaps were found at the interface of the xGnP and the Cu matrix. The image in Figure 12(g) is the

SAD pattern from the sample. The SEM and HRTEM analysis suggests that there is a close contact between the Cu matrix and the xGnP in the Cu-xGnP composites which contributes in enhancing the mechanical properties of the composites. Graphite nanoplatelets could be found in the grain boundary junctions [4] [35] -[37] .

The theoretical density of the various Cu-xGnP composites was calculated using the rule of mixtures where the density of xGnP was 2.1 gm/cc and the density of Cu was 8.9 gm/cc. It is clear from the plot of the theoretical and experimental density in Figure 13(a) that with the increase in content of xGnP in the Cu-xGnP composites there is a reduction in both the theoretical and experimental density of the Cu-xGnP composites. As the density of xGnP is lower than the density of pure Cu, the addition of xGnP in the Cu-xGnP composites leads to a lower density of the composites as compared to pure Cu. However, the relative density values of all the Cu- xGnP composites shown in Figure 13(b) are higher than that of the sintered pure Cu sample. This is due to the better sinterability and higher densification the Cu-xGnP composites due to the addition of nanosized xGnP. The xGnP having nanometric dimension is capable of filling the pores in the Cu matrix more effectively leading to better densification.

Vickers microhardness was used to determine the hardness of both pure Cu and Cu-xGnP composites. The hardness values were measured on the polished surface of the various composites. It can be seen from the plot in Figure 14 that the hardness of the Cu-xGnP composite is higher than that of pure Cu when the xGnP content in the composites is upto 2 wt%. Increased hardness of composite can be attributed to the uniform distribution of the xGnP in the composite. However, beyond 2 wt% of xGnP the hardness of the composite decreases possibly due to the agglomeration of the xGnP in the Cu matrix. The agglomeration of xGnP in the Cu-xGnP composites was evident from the optical and SEM images of the Cu-xGnP composites containing more than 2 wt% xGnP in Figure 11(d) and Figure 11(e) and Figure 12(b) and Figure 12(c) respectively [38] -[40] .

In order to find out the effect of the addition of xGnPs on the tensile properties of the Cu-xGnP composites the tensile tests of the various composites were done. Figure 15(a) and Figure 15(b) show the variation of tensile strength and strain to failure with the addition of xGnP in the various Cu-xGnP composites respectively. It is evident from the plot in Figure 15(a) that upto the addition of 2 wt% xGnP in the Cu-xGnP composites the tensile strength of the Cu-xGnP composites increases. Addition of xGnP beyond 2 wt% leads to the decrease of the tensile strength of the composite. A similar effect of the xGnP on the strain to failure of the Cu-xGnP composites was also observed. The plot in Figure 15(b) clearly indicates that upto the addition of 2 wt% xGnP in the Cu-xGnP composites the strain to failure of the Cu-xGnP composites increases. However, addition of xGnP beyond 2 wt% leads to the decrease of the strain to failure of the composite. This is possibly due to the agglomeration of xGnP. It is found that agglomeration of xGnP has led to a decrease in the hardness as well as the tensile strength of the Cu-xGnP composites when xGnP content in the composites was more that 2 wt%. The high intrinsic mechanical strength of the graphite nanoplatelets enabled them to block dislocation motion and

prevent the rupture and shearing of the Cu matrix. The graphite nanoplatelets restricted the propagation of the dislocations across the interface. This results in high strength of the composites. The strengthening that has been gained in the Cu-xGnP composites through the homogeneous dispersion of the graphite nanoplatelets in the Cu matrix can be attributed to the Orowan strengthening mechanism [32] [41] .

Cu-based metal matrix composites are used in a wide range of applications like heat exchangers, structural parts, electrical connectors, in contacts like brushes, frictional parts of machines like bearings and bushings etc. Relative motion between the surfaces results in friction, as well as progressive loss of the material. This is why the study of the wear properties of the Cu-xGnP composites is a very important. In order to understand how the Cu-xGnP composites behave while in contact with a hard material the wear properties of the Cu-xGnP composites were studied in unlubricated ball-on-plate experiments using a tribometer. The samples were in the form of polished disks having 15 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness. The specimens were tested normal to the major surface with a load of 15 N using a diamond indenter.

Figure 16 shows the variation of wear depth with time for pure Cu and Cu-1, 2, 3 and 5 wt% xGnP. We observe an increase in wear resistance of the Cu-xGnP composite upto the addition of 2 wt% xGnP. The homogeneous distribution of xGnP in the Cu matrix leads to a lower coefficient of friction of the Cu-xGnP composites.

During sliding, the friction between the diamond indenter and the Cu-xGnP composites is less due to the multilayer structure of xGnP which provides a lubricating effect to the Cu matrix, resulting in a reduced coefficient of friction. However, Cu-3 and 5 wt% xGnP composites exhibit poor wear resistance leading to an increase in wear depth. The reduction in the wear resistance of the Cu-xGnP composites when the content of xGnP in the composites is beyond 2 wt% is possibly due to the effect of agglomeration of xGnP in the composites.

Figures 17(a)-(e) show the SEM images of the wear track of pure Cu and Cu-1, 2, 3 and 5 wt% xGnP composites. The width of the wear track is minimum in the case of Cu-2 wt% xGnP and is found to be around 520 µm. The smallest amount of wear debris is also observed in the case of Cu-2 wt% xGnP composite and the surface of the wear track of the composite is also much smoother in comparison to other samples. The increase in the wear resistance of Cu-2 wt% xGnP nanocomposite is due to the formation of an interconnected network of xGnP inside the Cu matrix. The interconnected network of xGnP gives a lubricating effect that helps in reducing the removal of material from the Cu matrix. The two-dimensional geometry of the xGnP forms a lubricating layer on the surface of Cu limiting the damage during the wear test. The increased wear resistance of the Cu-xGnP composites is also linked to its improved mechanical properties. Addition of xGnP beyond 2 wt% increased the width of the wear track significantly. This is possibly due to the agglomeration of xGnP when a

large amount of xGnP is added in the Cu-xGnP composites. The width of the wear track was largest in the case Cu-3 wt% xGnP and was found to be about 1.23 mm. The SEM image in Figure 17(c) shows microfracture and wear debris in the wear track of Cu-3 wt% xGnP composite. The surface of the wear track was found to be very rough. SEM observations in Figure 17(e) shows that there are some deep grooves and flake-like wear scars on the worn surface of the Cu-5 wt% xGnP composites, which are typical characteristics of adhesive wear [42] - [44] .

Figure 18 and Figure 19 show the SEM image and elemental maps of C, Cu and O of the wear tracks of Cu-1 wt% xGnP and of Cu-3 wt% xGnP composites respectively. As the Cu-matrix gradually flaked during the wear test, the xGnP in the matrix near the surface were exposed. The xGnP became the working film on the worn surface. The worn contacting surfaces changed from the original metal surfaces into metals with lubricating graphite platelets. Due to the presence of the xGnP the adhesion between the composite and the counterpart significantly reduced and this subsequently led to lower wear depth. xGnP could be clearly seen in the wear tracks of both Cu-1 and 3 wt% xGnP samples. The encircled region in the SEM images in Figure 18(a) and Figure 19(b) show the xGnP in the wear track. The elemental map of carbon in Figure 18(c) and Figure 19(c) shows the presence of only carbon in these regions confirming that they are xGnP.

The XRD analysis of the wear debris from both Cu-2 and 5 wt% xGnP composites is shown in Figure 20. The XRD plot of the wear debris from the Cu-5 wt% xGnP composite shows traces of xGnP in the wear debris. This suggests that both Cu and xGnP get worn out from the sample during the wear test. However, in the case of Cu-2 wt% xGnP composite the peaks corresponding to xGnP is not seen. This is possibly due to the very low wt% of xGnP in the wear debris of the sample.

The SEM images of the wear debris from the wear track of Cu-5 wt% xGnP in Figure 21(a) and Figure 21(b) show plate like xGnP embedded in the Cu matrix. The XRD plot in Figure 20 also confirmed the presence of xGnP in the wear debris of Cu-5 wt% xGnP composite. The elemental mapping of Cu, C and O in the wear debris from Cu-5 wt% xGnP composite in Figures 22(b)-(e) also confirms the presence of both Cu and xGnP. It can be clearly seen that the xGnP are embedded in the Cu matrix. Figure 22(a) is the SEM image of the region in the wear debris selected for the elemental mapping of Cu, C, O and Cu + C + O. The elemental map of the wear debris also shows the presence of oxygen in the wear debris (refer Figure 22(d)). Oxygen is present both along with Cu and the xGnP in the wear debris. The heat generated during the dry sliding wear test causes the temperature of the specimen to rise resulting in the formation of an oxide film at the interface between the specimen and the diamond indenter of the wear tester. During the wear test O₂ could be reduced to O⁻ and O²⁻ and

thereby oxidizing Cu to Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺ forming a film of Cu₂O or CuO on the surface. However, O⁻ and O²⁻ could also react with the xGnP first instead of the Cu matrix as carbon is easier to oxidize compared to Cu resulting in the formation of CO and CO₂. As a result the formation of CuO and Cu₂O during the wear test was retarded. Thus the xGnP not only acts as a lubricant but it also prevents the Cu matrix from oxidizing. Due to this the weight loss of the composite is reduced [45] [46] .

The fracture surfaces of the various samples of Cu-xGnP composites fractured by tensile test were analyzed in SEM. The fracture behavior of both the monolithic Cu and the various Cu-xGnP composites are shown in Figures 23(a)-(h). Dimples could be seen in the fracture surfaces of all the samples. Figure 23(a) and Figure 23(b) are the SEM images of the fracture surface of pure Cu. Figures 23(c)-(h) are the SEM images of the fracture surface of Cu-1, 2 and 3 wt% xGnP nanocomposites respectively. It is clear from these SEM images that the nature of fracture is ductile in both pure Cu and the Cu-xGnP composites. In the SEM images of Cu-1 and 2 wt% xGnP

nanocomposites xGnP could be seen embedded in the Cu matrix. The SEM image in Figure 23(f) shows graphite nanoplatelets that have been pulled out form the Cu matrix during the tensile test. These graphite nanoplatelets also show bending at the edges as shown in the inset image in Figure 23(f). The SEM images of the fracture surfaces of all the composites also show the presence of dark pores. These pores were left behind during compaction and subsequent sintering and are responsible for the initiation of fracture. Pores are also seen where xGnPs are pulled out from the Cu matrix during the tensile test [35] [47] [48] .

The elemental maps of Cu, C and O in the fracture surface of Cu-1 wt% xGnP sample were acquired in order to determine the distribution of these elements in the fracture surface of the sample. The elemental maps of Cu, C and O in the fracture surface of Cu-1 wt% xGnP sample are shown in Figures 24(b)-(d) respectively. From the elemental map of C in Figure 24(c) it is clear that the xGnP are embedded in the Cu matrix. The xGnP is also found to be uniformly distributed in the Cu matrix. The elemental maps of C in Figure 24(c) and O in Figure 24(d) are found to be very similar which is possibly due to the oxidation of the xGnP.

In summary, Cu-xGnP composites were developed via powder metallurgy route and the effect of the addition of xGnP to Cu matrix was determined.

1) Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) were successfully synthesized by the ultrasonication of thermally exfoliated graphite. Raman spectroscopy analysis and HRTEM results confirm that the structural properties of the graphite nanoplatelets approach those of multilayer graphene. The exfoliation process was very effective.

2) The density of the Cu-xGnP composites shows a decrease with the increase in the xGnP content due to the addition of xGnP which has a low density. However the relative density of the Cu-xGnP increases with the increase in xGnP content. xGnP leads to a better sinterability and densification of the composite.

3) Cu-xGnP nanocomposites fabricated by powder metallurgy route show an increase in hardness and wear

resistance upto 2 wt% addition of xGnP. Beyond 2 wt% of xGnP there is a decrease in both the hardness and the wear resistance properties of the composites. Higher addition of xGnP leads to agglomeration of xGnP and this results in the decrease of both hardness and wear properties of the Cu-xGnP composites.

4) The tensile strength and the strain to failure of the Cu-xGnP composites also show a similar trend. Both the tensile strength and the strain to failure of the Cu-xGnP composites increase upto the addition of 2 wt% xGnP. Addition of xGnP beyond 2 wt% leads to the decrease of the tensile strength of the composites due to the agglomeration of xGnP.

5) The nature of fracture in pure Cu as well as the various Cu-xGnP composites was found to be ductile. Nanoplatelets of graphite were found firmly embedded in the Cu matrix in the case of Cu-xGnP composites containing low wt% of xGnP which was responsible for the improvement of tensile strength, strain to failure, hardness and wear properties.

We gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the XRD, SEM and thermal analysis laboratories of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department and the FESEM laboratory of the Ceramic Engineering Department, NIT Rourkela. We also thank the support provided by Chemistry Department, NIT Rourkela and the Central Research Facility, IIT Kharagpur.

Syed NasimulAlam,LaileshKumar,NidhiSharma, (2015) Development of Cu-Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets (xGnP) Metal Matrix Composite by Powder Metallurgy Route. Graphene,04,91-111. doi: 10.4236/graphene.2015.44010