Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites

Abstract

The aim of this research is to obtain better micrographs and to perform the mechanical characterization of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) consolidated aluminum matrix composite (AMC). This research is focused on the mechanical behavior and microstructure characteristics in MWCNT consolidated aluminum matrix composites. The composites of MWCNT/Al were successfully fabricated using powder metallurgy (PM) mechanical alloying (MA) sintering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs were utilized in order to determine the porosity, density and hardness characteristics to observe if they are affected or not concerning the performance of composites in different reinforced % MWCNT rate conditions. Along with SEM and XRD studies, this study details the homogeneous distribution of nanotubes which showed no evidence of decomposition; this was supported by a successive increase in hardness and abrasion resistance. This increase in abrasion resistance and hardness can be accredited to the further activation of the slip system due to the presence of MWCNTs. Based on the conclusions of this study, the authors determined that the mechanical alloying sintering method provides promising results for the mechanical alloying fabrication of MWCNT/Al composites, especially due to the different % rate reinforced up capabilities.