Abstract
The formation of Al4C3 interphase in carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced aluminum (Al) nanocomposites is a critical issue which must be well-known to more realistic estimations of mechanical behavior of such materials. In this work, the effect of Al4C3 interphase on the elastic modulus of Al nanocomposites reinforced with randomly distributed CNTs is investigated using a numerical micromechanical model based on the finite element method (FEM). Moreover, the influences of the CNT volume fraction and diameter on the elastic modulus of Al nanocomposites are explored. The results reveal that Al4C3 interphase significantly affects the elastic modulus of Al nanocomposites especially as the CNT diameter decreases. It can be observed that with increasing interphase thickness, the elastic modulus of the nanocomposite increases. The applicability of the presented model in predicting the elastic modulus of CNT-reinforced Al nanocomposites is investigated by comparing the results of the FEM with those of experiment available in the literature. Furthermore, the results of the FEM with and without Al4C3 interphase for aligned continuous and discontinuous CNT-reinforced Al nanocomposites are presented. It is found that the effect of the interphase on the elastic modulus of nanocomposites reinforced with continuous CNT is more important than that of nanocomposites reinforced with discontinuous CNT.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
