Interface Analysis of Spark Plasma Sintered Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Ti6Al4V

Abstract

This study investigated the dispersion and interface reactions in a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) reinforced Ti6Al4V composite consolidated by the spark plasma sintering technique. The 1 wt.% MWCNTs were dispersed in Ti6Al4V by high-energy ball milling, and the milled composite powder was consolidated at 1000°C. The other parameters adopted during the sintering process were applied pressure (50 MPa), heating rate (100°C/min) and 5 min holding time, respectively. Thin lamellae from the synthesized bulk Ti6Al4V/1 wt.% MWCNT composite were prepared and characterized by transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Large agglomerations of MWCNTs in the order of 50–100 µm were distributed in the composite, and the TKD analysis on the sample retrieved from the MWCNT/Ti6Al4V interface had a polycrystalline layer of titanium carbide formed between the Ti6Al4V matrix particles and the MWCNT clusters.