Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

graphene, liquid Cu, Raman spectroscopy, reactivity, sessile drop, wettability

Wettability between liquid Ag and graphene-coated SiC single crystal has been investigated by dispensed drop method at T = 970 oC under vacuum accompanied with subsecond recording of the drop/substrate images (100 frames per second) by high-speed high-resolution CCD camera. Non-contact heating method coupled with capillary purification of the Ag drop procedure has been applied. Scanning electron microscopy combined with EDS analysis and scanning probe microscopy combined with Raman spectroscopy techniques has been utilized for microstructure and surface characterization of samples before and after high-temperature wetting tests. Immediately after its detachment from the capillary, the Ag drop showed non-wetting behavior (h > 90o) forming a high contact angle of h = 114o. Surface characterization of the drop surface after wettability tests evidenced the presence of graphene and Si transferred from the substrate to the top of Ag drop. These findings suggest chemical interaction phenomena occurring at the interface. Locally, an intimate contact between liquid Ag and SiC substrate was allowed by the appearance of discontinuities in the graphene layer basically produced by thermomechanical stress. Local dissolution of carbon into liquid Ag and its reorganization (by segregation, nucleation and growth) as secondary graphene layer at the Ag surface was also observed.

Ag/graphene, Ag/SiC, dispensed drop, sessile drop method, wetting at high temperature

Combination of extreme service conditions and complex thermomechanical loadings, e.g., in electronics or power industry, requires using advanced materials with unique properties. Dissipation of heat generated during the operation of high-power electronic elements is crucial from the point of view of their efficiency. Good cooling conditions can be guaranteed, for instance, with materials of very high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion coefficient, and by designing the heat dissipation system in an accurate manner. Conventional materials such as silver, copper, or their alloys, often fail to meet such severe requirements. This paper discusses the results of investigations connected with Cu-C (multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), graphene nanopowder (GNP), or thermally reduced graphene oxide (RGO)) composites, produced using the spark plasma sintering technique. The obtained composites are characterized by uniform distribution of a carbon phase and high relative density. Compared with pure copper, developed materials are characterized by similar thermal conductivity and much lower values of thermal expansion coefficient. The most promising materials to use as heat dissipation elements seems to be copper-based composites reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and GNP.

copper matrix composites, graphene, spark plasma sintering, thermal properties