Fabrication of aluminum-carbon nanotube nano-composite using aluminum-coated carbon nanotube precursor

Abstract

Demand of special combination of different properties of the materials instigated the development of metal matrix composite. The carbon nanotubes being renowned for their excellent physical and mechanical properties are one of the major choices as strengthen material for metal matrix composites. To benefit their properties, the carbon nanotubes should be thoroughly dispersed and have wetting with the matrix. In the present study, a precursor of aluminum-carbon nanotubes was prepared by coating the nanotubes with titanium and used to fabricate the composite by induction melting. The precursor provided easy wetting, while induction melting facilitated dispersion of the nanotubes readily. Consequently, the composite exhibited noticeable augmentations in yield and tensile strength from 64 to 193 MPa and 81 to 227 MPa, respectively.