Preparation and Characterization of Hybrid Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with MWCNT Using Powder Metallurgy Process

Abstract

Metal Matrix Nano Composites (MMNC) consist of a metal matrix reinforced with nano-particles featuring physical and mechanical properties very different from those of the matrix. Especially carbon Nano tubes (CNT) can improve the matrix material in terms of wear resistance, damping properties and mechanical strength. The present investigation deals with the synthesis and characterization of aluminium matrix reinforced with micro B4C particles, and Multi Wall Carbon nano Tubes (MWCNT) were prepared by powder metallurgy route. Powder mixture containing fixed weight (%) of B4C and different wt% of MWCNT as reinforcement constituents that are uniaxial cold pressed and later green compacts are sintered in continues electric furnace. Microstructure and Mechanical properties such as micro hardness and density are examined. Micro structure of samples has been investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) .The results indicated that the increase in wt % of MWCNT improves the bonding and mechanical properties.