Effect of carbon nanoparticles addition on the mechanical properties of an aluminum composite prepared by mechanical milling and leaching process

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) based composites were produced by a solid state route using a high energy ball milling. Pure Al and mechanochemical processed graphite (C) powders were used as precursors. The C particles were prepared under different milling intensities and an additional chemical leaching process. Microscopy studies showed a uniform dispersion of the carbon nanoparticles into the aluminum matrix. A pronounced effect on the mechanical response of the specimens (σmax, σy and hardness) was evident upon the addition of the C particles. An optimum value on the mechanical response was reached with small amounts of C complemented with medium milling intensities. This effect is believed to be caused by the homogeneous dispersion of the carbon particles into the matrix. Higher C contents cause both: particle agglomeration and saturation of the matrix, which decreases the mechanical properties of samples.