The effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersion and agglomeration in aluminum matrix: Fabrication and finite element simulation

Abstract

This paper provides novel research on the effect of full dispersion and agglomeration of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) in the Aluminum (AL) matrix. The effect was investigated using the representative volume element (RVE) and finite element method (FEM). The acquired findings were compared to the experimental method (EXP) to assess the correctness of the employed method. In the investigation to anticipate the SWCNT rule in AL/SWCNT mechanical properties, RVE and FEM approach focused on two primary conditions: SWCNT complete dispersion and via agglomeration. Al/SWCNT was manufactured using powder technology. SEM images revealed that there were local SWCNT agglomerations within the composites at greater carbon nanotube concentrations, resulting in a decrease in the specimens' elastic modulus and mechanical strength. Based on RVE and EXP methods, the elastic modulus was increased until dispersed SWCNTs were added up to 2 wt%, after which the modulus was decreased as more SWCNTs were added. The elastic modulus with EXP was compared to the RVE curve cylinder SWCNT full dispersion and curve cylinder with SWCNT agglomeration results under periodic boundary conditions (PBC). The comparison demonstrated that EXP and RVE were in an acceptance agreement. In addition, AL-SWCNT RVEs were studied under damage condition.