Effect of the microstructure and properties of graphite/copper composites fabricated by microwave sintering

In this study, graphite/copper composites were prepared by microwave sintering. The microstructure and properties of the composites were characterized. The effects of different sintering temperatures on the properties of the composites were studied, and the differences between microwave sintering and conventional sintering composites were compared. The results show that after microwave sintering, the grain size of the copper matrix is refined and the graphite/copper interface is improved, and the distribution of graphite over the matrix becomes more uniform. Compared with conventional sintering, the properties of microwave-sintered samples have been further improved. Besides, with the increase in sintering temperature, the density, hardness, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of the composite have been improved, and some properties have become anisotropic obviously. Thus, the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity along the direction of graphite sheet are higher than those perpendicular to the sheet.