▎ 摘　　要

The present work investigates the effect of sintering mode and graphene addition on the microstructural, mechanical and electrical properties of copper-graphene metal matrix composites reinforced with varying amounts (0.9, 1.8, 2.7 and 3.6 vol%) of graphene particles fabricated through powder metallurgy route. Sintering was carried out at 900 degrees C in 95% N-2-5% H-2 (forming gas) atmosphere with a heating rate of 5 degrees/min for conventional and 20 degrees C/min for microwave with a holding time of 60 min in both cases. All the composites were found to couple well with microwave field and had resulted in 63% reduction in the processing cycle time as compared to the conventional process. Micro-structural analysis revealed the homogeneous distribution of graphene in copper matrix. Copper-graphene composites exhibited excellent wear resistance due to higher hardness and excellent lubricating nature of graphene. It was observed that porosity has a significant effect on the electrical conductivity values. (C) 2017 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.