Optimizing powder metallurgy methods: Effects of carbon nanotube dispersal mechanisms on mechanical properties of aluminium/carbon nanotube composites

Abstract

The influence of carbon nanotube dispersion techniques (surfactant-assisted dispersion, ultrasonication and magnetic stirring) and surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes on mechanical properties of nanocomposites fabricated via powder metallurgy techniques is characterized. Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersed using a combination of techniques results in Al/functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube composites with excellent microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties. Nonfunctionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed using zwitterionic surfactants show good dispersion patterns on Al powder surfaces and results in composites with good strength and relative densities are also obtained. Carbon nanotubes dispersed solely via shear mixing techniques resulted in highly embrittled composites with poor microstructure. Also discussed in this study is the usefulness of scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with image analysis techniques in characterizing porosity in Al/carbon nanotube composites.

Keywords

Carbon nanotube dispersion metal–matrix composites mechanical properties image analysis techniques

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