Strength and electrical conductivity synergy in graphene/copper composites with oriented multicore architecture

Copper matrix composites face the inherent strength-conductivity trade-off, limiting their high-end applications. Inspired by bone and bamboo, a bioinspired oriented multicore composite (BOMC) was fabricated. Its dual-network system, fabricated via self-assembly and cutting-recombination, consists of one for load bearing (DIGFs/Cu subunits) and one for electron transport (DIGFs and Cu sleeves). This design achieves an unprecedented synergy. DIGFs/Cu subunits achieve mechanical strengthening through high-density dislocations and stress distribution, while pure copper paths and conductive DIGFs ensure high conductivity. This work effectively alleviates the performance trade-offs and provides a strategy for hierarchical structure design.