Carbon nanotubes–reinforced copper matrix composites produced by melt stirring

Abstract

Due to their geometry and extraordinary mechanical properties, carbon nanotubes have been envisioned as promising enhancements for metal matrix composites. In this article, we report on our melt stirring approach for incorporation of carbon nanotubes into a copper alloy matrix and on the experimental results obtained by assessing the material properties. The existence of carbon nanotubes in the copper matrix after processing was proven by Raman analysis. We found that the small amounts of carbon nanotubes (0.1 wt%) in the composites influenced mechanical and abrasive wear properties.