Carbon nanotube reinforced aluminium composites fabricated by powder metallurgical and hot-rolling techniques

Abstract

This research aims to fabricate light weight and high strength materials such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced aluminium composites at relatively low cost. CNT/Al composites have been fabricated in three steps: (1) preparation of CNT dispersion, (2) preparation of CNT/Al based composite material by powder metallurgical slurry method, and (3) strengthening and refining of CNT/Al based composites by rolling processes. After fabrication, the composites have been characterized on dispersibility of CNT, Vickers hardness, three-point bending and tensile properties.