Abstract

The past decade has witnessed the substitution of monolithic metallic materials by metal-matrix composites (MMCs) for advanced applications in aerospace, marine engineering, defense, optoelectronics, and automobiles. State-of-the-art MMCs possess optimization challenges of non-uniform distribution, poor wettability, and agglomerations limiting their commerciality. The enhanced physico-mechanical features of graphene-Cu (G-Cu) MMCs resulting in structural integrity, robust strength and hardness, tuneable band gap, synergistic strengthening mechanism, and interfacial bonding have in a paradigm shift from conventional MMCs to G-Cu MMCs for sustainable applications. Though the potential of MMCs has been appreciated, a detailed understanding of the processing and optimization fundamentals of G-Cu MMCs is indispensable to device broadband applications. Our review critically assesses the state-of-the-art processing and optimization of Cu-G MMCs. It details the advancements in physico-mechanical attributes of Cu-G MMCs by optimizing precursor concentration, processing route, reaction/processing parameters, and hybridization conditions. The usage of Cu-G MMCs in mechanical, electrical, and thermal applications is discussed. Finally, we highlight processing and optimization challenges associated with Cu-G MMCs, alternative solutions, and an outlook on prospective opportunities to advance this cutting-edge field. This review is expected to serve as a fundamental guide to future research and development dedicated to next-generation MMCs for more sustainable applications.