Fabrication and investigation of properties of Al / WS2-CNT hybrid nanocomposites

Abstract

In this research, a hybrid aluminum matrix nanocomposite was made using tungsten disulfide nanoparticles and carbon nanotube. Ultrasonic was used for mixing powders in acetone. Then hybrid particles and aluminum powder were mixed by mmechanical stirrer for 2 h and ball mill for 5h. The final mixed powder were compressed by hot pressing. Microstructural analysis of the specimens was performed by Optical Microscopy (OM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that the reinforcement phases were properly adsorbed on aluminum particles, there was a good distribution of the reinforcement particles in the aluminum matrix, and nanoparticles maintained their structure. The density of samples was measured by Archimedes method and the relative density of hybrid samples was found to be 96 to 98%. Micro hardness test showed that hybridization had a positive effect on the hardness and the hybrid nanocomposite micro hardness increased with increasing carbon nanotube content up to 20% that of Al/ WS2 nanocomposite. Compressive strength measurements showed that hybridization increased the final compressive strength up to 17%. Wear test showed the friction coefficient of the hybrid nanocomposite decreased up to 50% compared to the pure aluminum.