Abstract
ABSTRACTIn the present work, Al2O3–multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites have been developed by both conventional sintering and spark plasma sintering (SPS) and their microstructures, mechanical properties and wear behavior have been investigated. Further, the influence of various other parameters such as the sintering time, sintering temperature, MWCNT loading level and processing technique adopted for development of the composites has also been analyzed. The powder metallurgy route was selected for development of Al2O3–0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 3, 5 vol% MWCNT composites using both conventional sintering and SPS. For conventionally sintered Al2O3–MWCNT composites, it has been found that both the hardness and relative density of the composites decreased up to a loading level of 0.2 vol% of MWCNTs, followed by a continuous increase with the addition of MWCNTs to the Al2O3 matrix, attaining a maximum value in the case of Al2O3–3 vol% MWCNT composite. The wear behavior of conventionally sintered composites also exhibits significant improvement with increase in sintering time. The SPSed Al2O3–MWCNT composites show a much higher relative density and better mechanical and tribological properties as compared to conventionally sintered Al2O3–MWCNT composites.
Highlights
The substantial progress in ceramic-based nanocomposites (CMNCs) is playing a vital role in broadening the range of areas in which ceramics can be applied
This paper reports the influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) addition on such properties as the density, hardness, fracture toughness and wear behavior of both conventionally sintered and SPSed Al2O3–MWCNT composites
The morphologies of the sintered composites were analyzed using a Zeiss Axio Scope.A1 optical microscope, a Nova NanoSEM 450/FEI field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a JEOL-JSM -6480LV scanning electron microscope (SEM), both of the units enabled with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis systems
Summary
The substantial progress in ceramic-based nanocomposites (CMNCs) is playing a vital role in broadening the range of areas in which ceramics can be applied. The outstanding functional characteristics and exceptional mechanical properties of CNTs make them an attractive choice as nano-reinforcements to improve the fracture toughness of brittle ceramics. The addition of CNTs as nanofillers can enhance the hardness and strength of the composites but can enhance their wear resistance. CNT-reinforced CMNCs developed to date have exhibited much lower mechanical performance than expected This might primarily be attributable to the agglomeration of CNTs and weak interfacial bonding between the nanotubes and the matrix. This paper reports the influence of MWCNT addition on such properties as the density, hardness, fracture toughness and wear behavior of both conventionally sintered and SPSed Al2O3–MWCNT composites
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