Effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) content on the mechanical properties of CNT-reinforced aluminium composites |
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Authors: | A.M.K. Esawi K. Morsi A. Sayed M. Taher S. Lanka |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center, The American University in Cairo (AUC), AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University (SDSU), 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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Keywords: | A. Carbon nanotubes A. Aluminium matrix composites B. Mechanical properties E. Extrusion E. Ball milling |
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