Abstract
The production of high performance metal matrix composites depends on a proper design of the surface of the reinforcing phase, ensuring a good contact with a metal phase. In the present work, two Ag decorating procedures to modify the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were evaluated for further production of aluminum matrix composites. The procedures consisted in a two steps route based on acid oxidation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) followed by suspension in an Ag ion solution; and a single step route, based on the effect of n-dimethylformamide (DMF) as an activation agent of CNT surface, in presence of Ag ions. Transmission and scanning-transmission electron microscopy, Raman and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy were employed in order to characterize the results. The two steps route resulted in Ag nano-particles homogeneously deposited over the CNT surface. The mechanism for the deposition is based on carboxyl and probably hydroxyl functional groups formed in the first step, acting as nucleation sites for Ag precipitation in the second step. The single step route resulted in the formation of sub-micrometric Ag particles heterogeneously mixed to CNT bundles.
Highlights
Among the known structural forms of carbon, three of them are receiving special attention in the last two decades: fullerenes, nanotubes and graphenes[1]
Two decorating processes, existing in the literature, were evaluated: a modified two steps process, based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) acid refluxing followed by the suspension in an AgNO3 solution[9], and a single step process, based on the activation of CNT surface by n-dimethylformamide (DMF) in an AgNO3 solution[16]
Two different experimental routes for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) surface modification by Ag ions decoration were evaluated: a modified two steps process, based on CNT acid refluxing followed by the suspension in an AgNO3 solution[9], and a single step process, based on the activation of CNT surface by n-dimethylformamide (DMF) in an AgNO3 solution[16]
Summary
Among the known structural forms of carbon, three of them are receiving special attention in the last two decades: fullerenes, nanotubes and graphenes[1]. A better interaction can enhance the load transfer process from the matrix to the reinforcement phase, resulting in high strength composites In this context, the present work deals with Ag decoration of MWCNT for further production of CNT reinforced aluminum matrix composites (CNT-AMC). Two decorating processes, existing in the literature, were evaluated: a modified two steps process, based on CNT acid refluxing followed by the suspension in an AgNO3 solution[9], and a single step process, based on the activation of CNT surface by n-dimethylformamide (DMF) in an AgNO3 solution[16]. Both processes are relatively simple, as no complicated reagents or sophisticated equipments are necessary. Fourier transformed-infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy, as well as transmission, scanningtransmission and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM, STEM and HRTEM), were employed in order to characterize MWCNT before and after decoration
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