Enhanced mechanical and wear properties of Al6061 alloy nanocomposite reinforced by CNT-template-grown core\u2013shell CNT/SiC nanotubes

Sung Chan Yoo,Soon Hyung Hong,Pham Van Trinh,Byungchul Kang,Doan Dinh Phuong

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-69341-z

Abstract

Novel one-dimensional template-grown coaxial SiC@carbon nanotubes (SiC@CNTs) were fabricated using a chemical vapor deposition method. To facilitate the formation of SiC on CNT template, a molecular-level mixing process was used to coat the surface of commercial multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by Fe2O3. These Fe-CNTs were transformed into SiC@CNT nanotubes, which were then mixed with Al6061 alloy and consolidated by spark plasma sintering to obtain Al6061-SiC@CNT nanocomposites. The addition of 5 vol% SiC@CNT resulted in 58% enhancement in Young’s modulus and 46% enhancement in yield strength. Furthermore, the friction coefficient was reduced by 31% and the specific wear rate was reduced by 45%. The enhancement effect of Al6061-SiC@CNT on the mechanical and tribological properties was much greater than those of traditional nanoparticles, nanowires, and whiskers of SiCs. The extraordinary strengthening behavior of SiC@CNT, when compared with that of other SiC analogues, is attributed to the coaxial structure consisting of a SiC shell and CNT core. This coaxial structure enhanced the mechanical and tribological properties beyond that attainable with traditional SiC-derived reinforcements.

Highlights

Et al.[16] demonstrated the effects of applied load and temperature on the dry sliding wear behavior of Al6061SiC composites
The evolution of functional groups on the surface of CNTs enables the dispersion of MWCNTs in polar solvents, such as water, and the attachment of positively charged metallic ions when they are present in the solution
We developed novel silicon carbide (SiC)@CNT coaxial nanotubes via a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using a silica source and CNTs

Summary

Introduction

Et al.[16] demonstrated the effects of applied load and temperature on the dry sliding wear behavior of Al6061SiC composites. SiC-based nanotubes were prepared by forming an outer layer of SiC on the surface of the CNT template via direct reaction between CNTs and silica.

Results

Conclusion