Effects of temperature and grain size on deformation of polycrystalline copper–graphene nanolayered composites

The effects of temperature and grain size on mechanical properties of polycrystalline copper-graphene nanolayered (PCuGNL) composites are investigated by analytical mechanical models and molecular dynamics simulations. The yield of PCuGNL composites under tension depends on temperature, copper grain size, and repeat layer spacing. Graphene-copper interfaces play the dominant role in the ultimate tensile strength of PCuGNL composites. The optimal range for strengthening of repeat layer spacing is 2-10 nm, and the failure stress of PCuGNL composites is weakly dependent on temperature. An analytical model is proposed to accurately characterize the mechanical behaviors of PCuGNL composites.