Improvement of mechanical properties in aluminum/CNTs nanocomposites by addition of mechanically activated graphite

Carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum nanocomposite was prepared by ball milling route. CNTs were initially mixed with mechanically amorphized graphite. Specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy. Crystallite size and dislocation density were calculated by modified Warren–Averbach method. Carbide formation was semi-quantitatively investigated via Raman spectroscopy. A band located in 950 cm⁻¹ was considered to be corresponded to Al₄C₃. Hardness of the samples was also evaluated using a Vickers micro-hardness tester. The hardness strengthening contributions were modeled to evaluate interfacial bonding between CNTs and the aluminum matrix. In specimens, including amorphized graphite, hardening was due to both work hardening and second phase strengthening otherwise, only due to work hardening. It was deducted that the amorphized graphite has a major role for mechanical properties improvement. This seems to be due to the formation of aluminum carbide at the interface which consequently increases adhesion of CNTs to aluminum.     

Single-walled carbon nanotubes modified by ionic liquid as antiwear additives of thermoplastics

Pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were dispersed in the room-temperature ionic liquid (IL) 1-octyl, 3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([OMIM]BF₄) by grinding and ultrasounds. Excess IL was removed to obtain single-walled carbon nanotubes modified by [OMIM]BF₄ (mCNTs). mCNTs were added in a 1 wt.% to polystyrene (PS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) to obtain PS + mCNT, PMMA + mCNT and PC + mCNT. The dry tribological performance of the new nanocomposites was studied against AISI 316L stainless steel pins and compared with that of the neat polymers and with the nanocomposites containing pristine carbon nanotubes without IL (PS + CNT; PMMA + CNT and PC + CNT). The maximum wear rate and friction coefficient reduction is obtained for PS + mCNT. Results are discussed upon the basis of optical, SEM and TEM microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).     

Nanofibres of CA/PAN with high amount of carbon nanotubes by core–shell electrospinning

We prepared polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and cellulose acetate (CA) based nanofibres with high amount of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by core–shell electrospinning. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate the morphology and structure of the electrospun nanofibres. Raman spectroscopy (Raman) and TEM indicate alignment of CNTs in the polymer fibres. Core–shell electrospinning improved the distribution and uniformity of the fibres. The loading of carbon nanotubes showed better thermal stability.     

Growth and microstructures of carbon nanotube films prepared by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process

Well-aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown on iron coated silicon substrates by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Effect of plasma composition on the growth and microstructures of CNTs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and optical emission spectroscopy. Morphology and microstructure of nanotubes were found to be strongly dependent on the plasma composition. Aligned bamboo-shaped nanotubes consisting of regular cone shaped compartments were observed for C₂H₂/NH₃/N₂ and C₂H₂/NH₃/H₂ gas mixtures. Randomly oriented or no nanotubes growth were observed in C₂H₂/H₂ and C₂H₂/N₂ gas mixtures respectively. CNTs grown in nitrogen rich plasma had more frequent short compartments while compartment length increased with decreasing nitrogen concentration in the plasma. Raman spectroscopy of CNTs samples revealed that CNTs prepared in nitrogen rich plasma had higher degree of disorder than those in low nitrogen or nitrogen free plasma. In-situ optical emission spectroscopy investigations showed that CN and H radicals play very important role in both the growth and microstructure of CNTs. Microstructure of CNTs has been correlated as a function of CN radical concentration in the plasma. It is suggested that presence of nitrogen in the plasma enhances the bulk diffusion of carbon through the iron catalyst particles which causes compartment formation. Based on our experimental observations, growth model of nanotubes under different plasma composition has been suggested using base growth mechanism.     

Deformation behavior of Al–Si alloy based nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Nanocrystalline Al–Si alloy-based composites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were produced by hot rolling ball-milled powders. During the milling process, the grain size was effectively reduced and the Si element was dissolved in the Al matrix. Furthermore, CNTs were gradually dispersed into the aluminum powders, providing an easy consolidation route using a thermo-mechanical process. The composite sheet containing 3 vol.% of CNTs shows ～520 MPa of yield strength with a 5% plastic elongation to failure.     

Large scale synthesis of bundles of aligned carbon nanotubes using a natural precursor: turpentine oil

Bundles of aligned carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) have been synthesised by spray pyrolysis of turpentine oil (inexpensive precursor) and ferrocene mixture at 800°C. Turpentine oil (C₁₀H₁₆), a plant-based precursor was used as a source of carbon and argon as a carrier gas. The bundles of ACNTs have been grown directly inside the quartz tube. The as-grown ACNTs have been characterised through X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. Scanning electron microscope images reveal that the bundles of ACNTs are densely packed and are of ～70–130?µm in length. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy observations indicate that as-grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are well graphitised. These CNTs have been found to have outer diameters between ～15 and 40?nm. This technique suggests a low-cost route for the large-scale formation of ACNTs bundles.     

Growth of single and double walled carbon nanotubes over Co/V/MgO catalysts

High quality single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and double walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) were synthesized on Co/V/MgO catalysts by catalytic decomposition of CH₄ in H₂. Raman spectroscopy data revealed that the diameters of as-prepared SWCNTs are 1.28 and 0.73 nm. The diameter value of DWCNTs from Raman analysis also showed a narrow diameter distribution. Using field emission transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it was found that the diameter of carbon nanotubes can be controlled mainly by adjusting the molar ratio of Co–V versus the MgO support. The structure properties of catalysts were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The formation of C₇V₈ may play an important role in preserving carbon in the catalyst particle and favoring the dissociation balance of CH₄.     

The influence of Ni catalyst on the growth of carbon nanotubes on Si substrates

This article treats the influence of the treatment of a Ni catalyst upon the growth of carbon nanotubes in alcohol catalytic chemical vapour deposition (AC CVD) equipment. Prior to the growth of diamond, a thin film of Ni was deposited on a silicon substrate by magnetron sputtering. We observed that a combination of annealing of the Ni catalyst in vacuum and NH₃ had a positive effect upon the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The prepared CNTs were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and characterization of Ni-Si mixed oxide nanocomposite as a catalyst for carbon nanotubes formation

Ni-Si mixed oxide nanocomposite was prepared by co-precipitation method with Ni(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) at pH = 10.5 under reflux condition for 6 days. It was then used as a catalyst for the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by CVD procedure. Characterization of the catalyst and the CNTs was carried out using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that Ni-Si mixed oxides nanorods with the average diameter of 3 to 4 nm play a key role in CNTs formation.     

Effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) content on the mechanical properties of CNT-reinforced aluminium composites

The interest in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcements for aluminium (Al) has been growing considerably. Efforts have been largely focused on investigating their contribution to the enhancement of the mechanical performance of the composites. The uniform dispersion of CNTs in the Al matrix has been identified as being critical to the pursuit of enhanced properties. Ball milling as a mechanical dispersion technique has proved its potential. In this work, we use ball milling to disperse up to 5 wt.% CNT in an Al matrix. The effect of CNT content on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. Cold compaction and hot extrusion were used to consolidate the ball-milled Al–CNT mixtures. Enhancements of up to 50% in tensile strength and 23% in stiffness compared to pure aluminium were observed. Some carbide formation was observed in the composite containing 5 wt.% CNT. In spite of the observed overall reinforcing effect, the large aspect ratio CNTs used in the present study were difficult to disperse at CNT wt.% greater than 2, and thus the expected improvements in mechanical properties with increase in CNT weight content were not fully realized.     

Fabrication of flat capped carbon nanotubes using an arc-discharge method assisted with a Sm-Co catalyst

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were fabricated using an arc-discharge method assisted with samarium-cobalt (Sm-Co) chloride as a catalyst. The optimal fabrication condition was determined through a series of experiments on various ambient conditions. Observations were completed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and tunneling electron microscopy (TEM); the main products we observed are well-structured multi-walled carbon nanotubes. By identifying the radial breathing modes (RBMs) of the Raman spectra with a TEM micrograph, we also observed a small number of single-walled carbon nanotubes. With the assistance of the Sm-Co chloride catalyst, the RBMs of the Raman spectra were measured in the ambient pressure of 760 torr. The TEM observations revealed that our nanotubes have good graphitic structures and almost no bamboo defects, which agrees with their Raman measurements with a high I_G/I_D ratio (~88). A perfect graphitic flat cap was found to be attached at the end of the nanotube. Simulation shows that by incorporating 5 carbon pentagons, it is possible to construct a flat capped carbon nanotube. The results of our experiment offer a unique approach to growing high quality CNTs. Such a flat capped structure may useful for further advanced application in nano-electronics and nano-optics.     

CNTs/Al5083复合材料力学性能及增强机制

采用高能球磨和冷轧工艺制备出3%(质量分数)碳纳米管增强Al5083复合材料。利用SEM,TEM观察球磨后复合粉末表面形貌,采用拉曼光谱和XRD对复合粉末和成型后的材料进行物相分析。最后测试了复合材料的力学性能。结果表明:在球磨1.5h的复合粉体中CNTs分散均匀,结构较完整,部分嵌入Al基体中并结合良好。冷压烧结并冷轧成型后的复合材料力学性能表现优异,球磨1.5h下,复合材料抗拉强度和屈服强度分别达到278MPa和247MPa,断裂延伸率为0.07,硬度HV达到95。将热不匹配模型与奥罗万模型所预测的屈服强度与实验值进行对比,结果表明CNTs/Al5083复合材料符合奥罗万机制。     

Preparation and characterization of γ-MnO2/CNTs nanocomposite

A layer of manganese dioxides (γ-MnO₂) was adsorbed upon carbon nanotubes (CNTs) surface by using a chemical deposit process. The morphologies of the MnO₂/CNTs composite were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman spectroscopy (RS). It is found that the adsorbed layer belongs to the γ-MnO₂ nanoparticles in the size of about 10 nm, and coated homogeneously around the CNTs. It is expected that this γ-MnO₂/CNTs composite will be applied to make supercapacitors.     

Optimization of the chemical vapor deposition process for fabrication of carbon nanotube/Al composite powders

In order to optimize the chemical vapor deposition process for fabrication of carbon nanotube/Al composite powders, the effect of different reaction conditions (such as reaction temperature, reaction time, and reaction gas ratio) on the morphological and structural development of the powder and dispersion of CNTs in Al powder was investigated using transmission electron microscope. The results showed that low temperatures (500-550 °C) give rise to herringbone-type carbon nanofibers and high temperatures (600-630 °C) lead to multi-walled CNTs. Long reaction times broaden the CNT size distribution and increase the CNT yield. Appropriate nitrogen flow is preferred for CNT growth, but high and low nitrogen flow result in carbon nanospheres and CNTs with coarse surfaces, respectively. Above results show that appropriate parameters are effective in dispersing the nanotubes in the Al powder which simultaneously protects the nanotubes from damage.     

Bulk preparation and characterization of mesoporous carbon nanotubes by catalytic decomposition of cyclohexane on sol–gel prepared Ni–Mo–Mg oxide catalyst

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were synthesized using Ni–Mo–Mg oxide catalyst prepared by sol–gel technique. Carbon nanotubes were formed in situ by the reduction of nickel oxide (NiO) and molybdenum oxide (MoO₃) to Ni and Mo by a gas mixture of nitrogen, hydrogen and cyclohexane at 750 °C. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The pore size distribution of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was investigated by N₂ adsorption and desorption. It was found that the pore size fell into the mesopore range: 2 < d < 50 nm. Interpretation was also made using Raman spectroscopy, Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and ESR spectra. This method is found to produce a very high yield weighing over 20 times of the catalyst. Based on the experimental conditions and results obtained a possible growth mechanism of the carbon nanotubes is proposed.     

Lamellar Fe/Al2O3 catalyst for high-yield production of multi-walled carbon nanotubes bundles

The lamellar Fe/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by sol-gel method, and then with these prepared catalysts, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) method using C₂H₂ as precursor. The as-prepared CNTs and Fe/Al₂O₃ catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectrum. The results proved that the as-prepared CNTs actually existed in bundles. And the growth of CNTs bundles should be attributed to the lamellar catalysts, which supported the bottom growth mechanism of CNTs. The transition metal of Mo was not introduced in catalysts to produce CNTs bundles, which was different with others’ results.     

Energy absorption capability of carbon nanotubes dispersed in resins under compressive high strain rate loading

The focus of the present study is on energy absorption capability (E_A) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in thermoset epoxy resin under compressive high strain rate loading. Toward this objective, high strain rate compressive behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersed epoxy is investigated using a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The amount of MWCNT dispersion is varied up to 3% by weight. Calculation methodology for the evaluation of E_A of individual CNTs and CNTs dispersed in resins/composites is presented. Quantitative data on E_A of individual CNTs and CNTs dispersed in resins under quasi-static and high strain rate loading is given.     

Carbon nanotubes rooted montmorillonite (CNT-MM) reinforced nanocomposite membrane for PEM fuel cells

Nafion based nanocomposite membranes containing montmorillonite-carbon nanotubes (a binary hybrid material) were produced to develop high performance polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Multi walled carbon nanotubes were grown over 20 and 25 wt% iron loaded montmorillonite catalysts by CVD using acetylene as the carbon precursor. Growth experiments were carried out at optimised conditions to obtain highly selective crystalline carbon nanotubes. X-ray diffraction spectra of the catalysts were recorded for the structural characterisation and definition of particle size. The carbon nanotubes obtained were examined by various physico chemical characterisation studies such as SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy and TG analyses to understand the morphology and crystallinity of the CNTs. The MM-CNT hybrid material with I_D/I_G ratio of Raman spectral band as 0.53 represents the high selectivity towards CNTs. Thus the hybrid material produced was considered as the best nanofiller to develop polymer nanocomposites. Nafion based nanocomposite membranes were prepared by adding MM-CNT as nanofiller by solution casting method. A better dispersion of MM-CNT into the Nafion matrix was observed and the addition of the MM-CNT improved the thermal stability of the Nafion membrane.     

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced Al2O3 nanocomposites: Mechanical properties and interfacial investigations

Well-dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced Al₂O₃ nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by hot-pressing. The resulting promising improvements in fracture toughness, by 94% and 65% with 2 and 5 wt.% CNTs addition respectively, compared with monolithic Al₂O₃, were attributed to the good dispersion of CNTs within the matrix, crack-bridging by CNTs and strong interfacial connections between the CNTs and the matrix. The interfacial phase characteristics between CNTs and Al₂O₃ were investigated via combined techniques. It is believed that a possible aluminium oxy-carbide as the primary interfacial phase was produced via a localized carbothermal reduction process. This interface phase presumably has good chemical compatibility and strong connections with both CNTs and the matrix and led nanocomposites to higher fracture toughness.     

Strong Electrochemiluminescence Emission from Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as well‐known nanomaterials are extensively studied and widely applied in various fields. Nitric acid (HNO₃) is often used to treat CNTs for purification purposes and preparing oxidized CNTs for various applications. However, too little attention is paid to investigating the effect of HNO₃ treatment on the optical properties of CNTs. In this work, it is observed for the first time that HNO₃‐oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (ox‐MWCNTs) have strong electrochemiluminescence (ECL) activity, which enables ox‐MWCNTs to become new and good ECL carbon nanomaterials after carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Various characterization technologies, such as transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy, are used to reveal the relationship between ECL activity and surface states. The ECL behaviors of ox‐MWCNTs are investigated in detail and a possible ECL mechanism is proposed. Finally, the new ECL nanomaterials of ox‐MWCNTs are envisioned to have promising applications in sensitive ECL sensing and in the study of CNT‐based catalysts.