Hot extrusion to manufacture the metal matrix composite of carbon nanotube and aluminum with excellent electrical conductivities and mechanical properties

Abstract

New metal matrix composite (MMC) manufacturing process to produce the compound material of carbon nanotube (CNT) and aluminum is proposed. This process is capable of MMC manufacturing with excellent electrical and mechanical properties, by controlling powder compacting stress and the temperature of the hot extrusion to integrate of CNT and Al powder. The crystalline of CNT in the MMC was systematically investigated, and it was confirmed that the crystalline of CNT was maintained without receiving the influence of heat by the hot extrusion. The new MMC manufacturing process might be an ideal process for an electric conductivity increase.