Effect of milling parameters on the dispersion characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in transition metal oxides

Abstract

In this research investigation on milling parameters to achieve uniform dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was conducted. High-energy ball milling (HEBM) technique was adopted to disperse 1 wt. % MWCNTs in titanium and manganese oxides with ball to powder ratio (BPR) of 10:1 at 6 and 9 hours milling times. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the as-received MWCNTs and admixed composite powders. The results indicated that HEBM was an effective route to disperse MWCNTs in transition metal oxides. In addition, the characteristics of admixed powders evidently showed that the increase of milling time effectively dispersed the MWCNTs in titanium and manganese oxide respectively, however deformation of sidewalls of MWCNTs was observed due to harsh milling conditions that resulted on non-sp2 defects in the MWCNTs.