Microstructure and microhardness of carbon nanotube reinforced copper nanocomposites

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced copper matrix nanocomposites were fabricated by powder metallurgy technique, which consists of blending, compaction and sintering followed by hot forging technique. The microhardness of hot forged nanocomposites was evaluated and found to be higher than that of hot forged copper. The enhanced hardness was attributed to the hardening of the copper matrix by reinforcing effect of MWCNTs. Electron diffraction patterns obtained from MWCNTs and nanocomposites were indexed, and an orientation relationship was derived using stereographic projection. The orientation relationship between MWCNTs and copper appears to be [ ]_{fcc Cu}||[ ]_MWCNT, and tube axis was found to be parallel to (3 1 1)_Cu. However, no unique orientation relationship was observed between copper and MWCNTs.