Nanostructured aluminum matrix composite materials, modified by carbon nanostructures

Abstract

Nanostructured aluminum matrix composite materials (NCM), modified by fullerene C60 and graphene-like structures, were obtained by direct hot extrusion of ball-milled powders. Structure, phase composition and mechanical properties were studied as a function of carbon nanostructures (CNS) concentration and synthesis parameters. It has been shown that modifying of NCM by 0.3-0.5wt.% of carbon nanostructures prevents agglomeration of the particles during milling and reduces final particle size down to 45-50nm. An increase of the tensile strength up to 820MPa, flexural strength to 1110MPa, density about 2.61g/cm3 and specific strength competitive to titanium alloys and fiberglass was achieved for the NCM bulk samples