Fabrication and characterization of closed-cell aluminum foams with different contents of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Closed-cell aluminum foams with different contents of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated by using modified melt foaming method. In order to effectively disperse MWCNTs, orthogonal tests were utilized to determine the optimal ball-milling parameters. The existence forms of MWCNTs in aluminum foams and the compressive properties of the foams were investigated. Considered from the dispersion degree and structural changes of MWCNTs, the optimal parameters were obtained, the parameters mainly referred to weight ratio of MWCNTs to aluminum powder, weight ratio of ball to powder, milling rate and milling time, respectively. The results showed that MWCNTs mainly existed in three forms: totally embedded in cell wall, partly embedded in cell wall and totally exposed on cell wall surface, respectively. The reasons were mainly due to the existence of defects and amorphous carbon on the surface of MWCNTs, which promoted the wettability between the aluminum matrix and MWCNTs. In addition, with the MWCNT content increasing, the yield strength, structural stiffness and energy absorption capacity of the foams increased first and then decreased. Meanwhile, under the present conditions the foams with MWCNT content of 0.5% possessed the optimal comprehensive mechanical properties and the reasons were discussed.     

Fabrication and characterization of Al-matrix composites reinforced with amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes

We report the fabrication of Al-matrix composites reinforced with amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) using powder metallurgy process. Functionalization of the nanotubes was carried out by ball milling multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the presence of ammonium bicarbonate. It has been found that the mechanical properties of Al-fCNT composites were much superior to the composites fabricated using non-functionalized or acid functionalized carbon nanotubes. The enhancement in mechanical properties in these composites are attributed mainly to the better and homogeneous dispersion of fCNT in Al matrix as compared to non-functionalized or acid functionalized carbon nanotubes and the formation of a strong interfacial bonding between fCNT and Al matrix leading to an efficient load transfer from Al matrix to fCNT following high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.     

SDBS修饰碳纳米管及其增强聚乳酸复合材料的制备与表征

采用十二烷基苯磺酸钠(SDBS)对碳纳米管进行表面修饰,并以其为增强体,利用溶剂蒸发法制备了碳纳米管/聚乳酸复合材料.采用红外吸收光谱、偏光显微镜、扫描电镜及拉伸实验研究了SDBS修饰的碳纳米管表面形貌和结构以及碳纳米管/聚乳酸复合材料的链结构、聚集态结构和力学性能.SDBS修饰可使碳纳米管均匀分散于有机溶剂中,并改善...     

Effect of dispersion method on the deterioration,interfacial interactions and re-agglomeration of carbon nanotubes in titanium metal matrix composites

The influence of various synthesis techniques on the dispersion and evolution of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in titanium (Ti) metal matrix composites (TMCs) prepared via powder metallurgy routes has been investigated. The synthesis techniques included sonication, high energy ball milling (HEBM), cold compaction, high temperature vacuum sintering and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Powder mixtures of Ti and MWCNTs (0.5 wt.%) were processed by HEBM in two batches: (i) ball milling of the mixtures (Batch 1) and (ii) ball milling of Ti powder alone, followed by a further ball milling with sonicated MWCNTs (Batch 2). Both batches of the powder mixtures were pressed at 40 MPa into green compacts and then sintered in vacuum. Batch 2 powder mixtures were also consolidated using SPS. The crystallinity and sp² carbon network of the MWCNTs were characterized through analyzing the characteristic Raman peak ratio (I_D/I_G) of each processed sample. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used for phase identification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the morphology of the MWCNTs in the powder mixtures. The evolution of MWCNTs during the fabrication process and mechanical properties of the sintered compacts were discussed in conjunction with the formation of nano-crystalline TiC.     

高分散多壁碳纳米管增强铝基复合材料的制备(英文)

采用机械合金化技术制备高分散多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)-铝(Al)复合材料。将纯度99%的铝粉和质量分数2%的MWCNTs经超声和水平球磨处理使Al颗粒与MWCNTs间产生机械键合力。场发射SEM观察表明,MWCNTs分散在Al薄片的表面,随球磨时间的不同,颗粒大小和形貌各异。采用加压烧结手段将混合粉末加工成块体材料,其微观硬度测试表明,加入MWCNTs后Al基体的机械性能得到提高。     

Processing and characterization of MWCNT reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Metal matrix composites comprising aluminum matrix and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcements are fabricated using cold uniaxial compaction followed by sintering and cold extrusion as secondary processes. The MWCNTs are pretreated with sodium dodecyl sulfate for improved adhesion with aluminum powder. The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure is explored using differential scanning calorimetric spectrum. The tensile yield and ultimate strength of Al-MWCNTs increased to 90% with 2 wt% addition of MWCNTs. Various theories for the strengthening and stiffening of Al-MWCNTs composites are explored.     

Effective load transfer by a chromium carbide nanostructure in a multi-walled carbon nanotube/copper matrix composite

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced copper (Cu) matrix composites, which exhibit chromium (Cr) carbide nanostructures at the MWCNT/Cu interface, were prepared through a carbide formation using CuCr alloy powder. The fully densified and oriented MWCNTs dispersed throughout the composites were prepared using spark plasma sintering (SPS) followed by hot extrusion. The tensile strengths of the MWCNT/CuCr composites increased with increasing MWCNTs content, while the tensile strength of MWCNT/Cu composite decreased from that of monolithic Cu. The enhanced tensile strength of the MWCNT/CuCr composites is a result of possible load-transfer mechanisms of the interfacial Cr carbide nanostructures. The multi-wall failure of MWCNTs observed in the fracture surface of the MWCNT/CuCr composites indicates an improvement in the load-bearing capacity of the MWCNTs. This result shows that the Cr carbide nanostructures effectively transferred the tensile load to the MWCNTs during fracture through carbide nanostructure formation in the MWCNT/Cu composite.     

Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on mechanical,thermal and electrical properties of phenolic foam via in-situ polymerization

In this study, phenolic foam (PF)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites were fabricated by in-situ polymerization, and carbonized foams based on these PF foams were prepared and the electrical property was investigated. TEM results indicated excellent dispersion of MWCNTs in the phenolic resin matrix. Scanning electron microscope results indicated that PF composites exhibited smaller cell size, thicker cell wall thickness, and higher cell density, compared with pure PF. The incorporating of MWCNTs significantly improved the mechanical properties of PF. All PF composites showed a lower thermal conductivity versus pure PF. Moreover, the carbonized pure and composites PF exhibited open-cell three-dimensional skeleton carbon structure and the MWCNTs were well-dispersed on the surface of the skeletons. It is noteworthy that the introduction of MWCNTs significantly improved the electrical performances of foams and carbonized foams by construction of conductive MWCNTs network.     

Microstructure and mechanical property of multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum matrix composites fabricated by friction stir processing

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced by different contents of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP). The microstructure of nano-composites and the interface between aluminum matrix and MWCNTs were examined using optical microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was indicated that MWCNTs were well dispersed in the aluminum matrix throughout the FSP. Tensile tests and microhardness measurement showed that, with the increase of MWCNT content, the tensile strength and microhardness of MWCNTs/Al composites gradually increased, but on the contrary, the elongation decreased. The maximum ultimate tensile strength reached up to 190.2 MPa when 6 vol.% MWCNTs were added, and this value was two times more of that of aluminum matrix. Appearances and fracture surface micrographs of failed composite samples indicated that the composites become more and more brittle with the increase of the MWCNT content.     

锂离子电池Si/C复合负极材料的合成与性能

采用球磨-热解工艺制备了Si/C复合负极材料。研究了球磨时间对Si/C复合负极材料结构和电化学性能的影响,并分析了电极的失效机理。研究结果表明,通过球磨可以将纳米硅颗粒均匀分散于石墨基体材料表面,同时,葡萄糖热解后形成的无定形碳使两者紧密结合。球磨3h合成的材料具有最优的电化学性能。以100mA/g的电流密度放电,首次放电容量达到1340mAh/g,首次充放电效率为75.6%,循环50次后,容量保持率为34.2%。     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of ZnO/MWCNT hybrid nanocomposites and their alcohol-sensing properties

Zinc oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotube (ZnO/MWCNT) hybrid nanocomposites were synthesised by microwave-assisted method using the mixed solution of zinc acetate dehydrate (Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O) and treated MWCNTs. The syntheses were carried out at various microwave irradiation powers. The characterisation of the as-synthesised nanocomposites was conducted by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD results revealed that the composites were composed of two phases of MWCNTs and hexagonal wurzite ZnO. The SEM results showed that the ZnO nanoparticles were well decorated on the surface of MWCNTs. The amount of ZnO nanoparticles and their size increased with increasing irradiation power. Thick-film sensors were fabricated onto interdigitated conducting electrodes using as-synthesised hybrid composites as sensing materials. The alcohol-sensing behaviour of the hybrid composite films was investigated. The results indicated that the irradiation power had significant influence on the sensing response of the sensors toward alcohol. The sensor fabricated from the composite synthesised at higher irradiation power exhibited an enhanced alcohol-sensing performance.     

Percolation behaviour of multiwalled carbon nanotubes of altered length and primary agglomerate morphology in melt mixed isotactic polypropylene-based composites

The effect of ball milling on the structural characteristics and further on the dispersion and percolation behaviour of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in melt mixed composites using a maleic anhydride modified isotactic polypropylene as matrix was investigated. TEM and SEM revealed that ball milled nanotubes were considerably shorter and showed a compact primary agglomerate morphology compared to the as-synthesised MWCNTs. At macro scale ball milled MWCNTs were found to be better dispersed, whereas at sub-micron scale the states of dispersion of both nanotube materials were comparable. The differences in the composite morphologies as well as in the composites electrical and rheological percolation behaviour were assigned to the altered MWCNT structure due to ball milling treatment. The dispersibility of ball milled MWCNTs was restricted due to their more compact agglomerate morphology. Furthermore, the ability to form percolated network structures was restrained by their shorter length and, again, their compact primary agglomerates. An effective agglomerate interaction radius depending on the nanotube structural characteristics, length and agglomerate morphology, is suggested in order to explain the experimental findings.     

Effect of ball milling time on the structural characteristics and mechanical properties of nano-sized Y2O3 particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites produced by powder metallurgy route

Mechanical milling presents an effective solution in producing a homogenous structure for composites. The present study focused on the production of 0.5 wt% yttria nanoparticle reinforced 7075 aluminum alloy composite in order to examine the effects of yttria dispersion and interfacial bonding by ball milling technique. The 7075 aluminum alloy powders and yttria were mechanically alloyed with different milling times. The milled composites powders were then consolidated with the help of hot pressing. Hardness, density, and tensile tests were carried out for characterizing the mechanical properties of the composite. The milled powder and the microstructural evolution of the composites were analyzed utilizing scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A striking enhancement of 164% and 90% in hardness and ultimate tensile strength, respectively, were found compared with the reference 7075 aluminum alloy fabricated with the same producing history. The origins of the observed increase in hardness and strength were discussed within the strengthening mechanisms' framework.     

球磨工艺对B_4C-Al复合粉末性能的影响

利用高能球磨干混的方法制备B4C-Al复合粉末,研究球磨过程中转速、球磨时间对粉末粒度、B4C颗粒均匀性及界面结合的影响。结果表明,球磨转速和球磨时间是影响增强体颗粒分布均匀性以及与基体粉末界面结合的主要因素,存在一个最佳球磨转速和球磨时间使增强体颗粒分布均匀且与基体粉末的界面结合最佳。低转速球磨6h和中转速球磨3h时,增强体颗粒以偏聚的形式分布于基体粉末间隙之间,界面结合率很低。中转速球磨6h时,增强体颗粒均匀地分布于基体材料中,界面结合率较高。中转速球磨12h和高转速球磨6h时,增强体颗粒分布较均匀,界面结合率很高,但是容易形成焊合。     

球磨工艺对原位合成碳纳米管增强铝基复合材料微观组织和力学性能的影响

将原位化学气相沉积法合成的碳纳米管(CNTs)与铝的复合粉末进行球磨混合,进而粉末冶金制备CNTs/Al复合材料,研究球磨工艺对复合材料的微观组织和力学性能的影响。结果表明:球磨过程中不添加过程控制剂所得到的复合材料力学性能优异;随着球磨时间的增加,CNTs逐步分散嵌入铝基体内部,复合材料的组织也变得更加致密均匀。CNTs/Al复合材料的硬度和抗拉强度均随球磨时间的延长持续增加,但是伸长率先增后减。经90min球磨的CNTs/Al复合材料展现了强韧兼备的特点,其硬度和抗拉强度较原始纯铝提高了1.4倍和1.7倍,并且具有17.9%的高伸长率。     

The Gas-Phase Synthesis of a New Functional Hybrid Material on the Basis of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Faceted Aluminum Nanocrystals

The deposition of polyhedral aluminum nanocrystals onto the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition with the use of triisobutylaluminum as the precursor has been performed for the first time. The new hybrid nanomaterial (Al/MWCNTs) has been characterized by X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The obtained Al/MWCNTs hybrid materials were tested as the filler for the creation of threedimensional composites on the basis of an AMg2 alloy via powder metallurgy. It has been shown that the use of Al/MWCNTs as the filler increases the hardness of the composites by 18% in comparison with the initial MWCNTs.     

Polyamide 6 composites reinforced with glass fibers modified with electrostatically assembled multiwall carbon nanotubes

Glass fiber-multiwall carbon nanotubes (GF-MWCNTs) hybrid preforms were prepared by electrostatic assembly method. Negatively charged MWCNTs by oxidization treatment were directly adsorbed onto the surfaces of positively charged GF to form tunable structure. The thickness and morphology of GF-MWCNTs preforms can be controlled by the assembly pH value and the concentration of oxidized-MWCNTs solution. We demonstrate that GF-MWCNTs preforms have uniform and porous interconnected network structure of MWCNTs on the surfaces of GF using FESEM. The multi-scale composites with the hybrid preforms were prepared by melt compounding. The presence of MWCNTs with porous nanostructure helps in the formation of interpenetrating network with polyamide 6 (PA 6) at the interface layer. As a result, the tensile tests of these multi-scale composites exhibit higher tensile properties in comparison with composites with GF, showing a promising structural composite to replace the traditional GF-reinforced composites with limited improvement of the performance.     

多壁碳纳米管-有机蒙脱土协同增韧环氧树脂

采用机械搅拌和离心分散的方法制备了多壁碳纳米管-有机蒙脱土/环氧树脂复合材料。X射线衍射分析表明,当有机蒙脱土含量为2 wt%时, 蒙脱土在树脂体系中能够形成离散性结构。断裂韧性测试结果表明,多壁碳纳米管和有机蒙脱土的混杂对环氧树脂具有协同增韧的作用。当有机蒙脱土含量为2 wt%,多壁碳纳米管含量为0.1 wt%时,所得复合材料的断裂韧性是纯环氧树脂的1.77倍,是2 wt%有机蒙脱土/环氧树脂复合材料的1.45倍,是0.1 wt%多壁碳纳米管/环氧树脂复合材料的1.39倍。扫描电镜分析表明,多壁碳纳米管在环氧树脂体系中分散均匀,并与有机蒙脱土片层形成了一定程度的相互穿插和咬合,多壁碳纳米管与有机蒙脱土协同增韧的主要原因是微裂纹增韧、剪切屈服与纤维拔出。      

高能球磨法制备铁、钨金属微粉的研究

用高能机械球磨法制备了金属铁、钨微粉，对振动磨的结构及破碎原理作了简要介绍，分析了铁、钨粉末产品的粒度分布特性、比表面积变化情况，讨论了原料性质、球磨时间、球磨强度、球料比等因素对高能球磨过程的影响。     

Si@环化聚丙烯腈/多壁碳纳米管负极复合材料的制备及电化学性能

通过简单高能球磨和高温热解法制备了锂离子电池Si/C电极复合材料,聚丙烯腈（PAN）包覆的纳米颗粒（Si@PAN）与多壁碳纳米管（MWCNTs）混合,制得Si@环化PAN/MWCNTs（Si@c-PAN/MWCNTs）复合材料作为锂离子电池的负极材料。包覆在纳米Si外层的高温热解后的PAN能够有效缓冲Si在充放电过程中巨大的体积变化产生的应力,同时MWCNTs作为Si@c-PAN的基体阻止Si@c-PAN颗粒的团聚,也提高了Si@c-PAN/MWCNTs复合材料电极的导电性能。电化学测试结果表明,Si@c-PAN/MWCNTs复合材料电极在电流密度为0.2 A/g时,其首次放电比容量达到2 098 mA?h/g,库伦效率达到86%;循环50次后Si@c-PAN/MWCNTs复合材料电极的可逆比容量仍能够达到1 278 mA?h/g,在2 A/g放电时其比容量为600 mA?h/g,仍保持良好的循环稳定性。