In this study, they show that solid-phase processing for extruded composite wires produces a uniform, nearly non-porous microstructure dotted with tiny graphene flakes and clusters, which may be responsible for lowering the composite resistivity s reason.
"We show that both flakes and clusters must exist together to become better conductors in high-temperature operations," Kapagantura said.
The research team says the new copper-graphene composite wire will provide great design flexibility when used in any industrial application. "Anywhere there's electricity, we have a use case," Capagantura said.
For example, coiled copper wire is used in the cores of electric motors and generators. Today's motors are designed to operate within a limited temperature range because their conductivity drops dramatically when they get too hot. With new copper-graphene composites, it's possible for electric motors to run at higher temperatures without losing conductivity.
Likewise, the wiring that carries power from transmission lines to homes and businesses is often made of copper. As urban population density increases, so does the demand for electricity. More conductive composite wires may help meet this need and improve efficiency.
"This technology is the perfect solution for copper cabling in high-density urban environments," Kapagantura said.
The research team is continuing to work on tailoring the copper-graphene material and measuring other fundamental properties such as strength, fatigue, corrosion and wear resistance - all of which are critical to making such materials suitable for industrial applications. In these experiments, the research team is making wires about a cent (1.5 millimeters) thick.
