Consolidation of carbon nanofiber/copper composites by hot-pressing and spark plasma sintering: a comparative study

Vapour grown carbon nanofibers have been incorporated into a copper matrix at 20 and 40 volume fractions. The manufacturing route involves the dispersion of the carbon nanofibers and their subsequent coating by electroless plating with copper. The consolidation of the composite powders was performed by two different techniques: hot-pressing and spark plasma sintering. A comparative study of the two processes is reported, in terms of microstructure, dispersion and porosity. The consolidation by hot-pressing (at 900 degrees C, 30 MPa) led to poreless composites (relative density > 96%) and to a homogeneous microstructure. On the other hand, spark plasma sintering (at 400 degrees C, 75 MPa) led to lower densification (relative density < 96%) and heterogeneous microstructure.