Remarkable improvement of mechanical properties of layered CNTs/Al composites with Cu decorated on CNTs

Abstract

Interfacial bond and structure as key points significant restrict the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced aluminum matrix composites (CNTs/Al composites). In order to further enhance the interfacial bond of CNTs/Al composites, this paper proposed a novel fabrication process of CNTs/Al composites with Cu nanoparticles decorated CNTs, which results in the remarkable improvement of strength and ductility of CNTs/Al composites. The in-depth study results from microstructure of layered CNTs/Al composites show that: Cu nanoparticles can repair CNTs structural defects, and passivate the reaction activity of the defect points, which successfully inhibit producing big Al4C3 phase. On the other hand, Cu nanoparticles as a bridge connecting Al and CNTs, can improve the interface wettability, and produce an “Al-Cu-CNT” interlocking effect. Due to the improvement of the interfacial bond and structure between CNTs and Al matrix, the strengthening and toughening effect of CNTs is effectively exerted in the Al matrix composites. Additionally, this work avoids the traditional mismatch relationship between strength and ductility in CNTs/Al composites.