Un-Bundled Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Light Metal Composites via Powder Metallurgy Route

Abstract

By using light metal (Mg, Al, Ti) powders coated with un-bundled multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via wet process, powder metallurgy (P/M) light metal matrix composite reinforced with un-bundled nanotubes was prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and subsequently hot extrusion process. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated. In the case of pure titanium, the distribution of CNTs and in-situ formed titanium carbide (TiC) compounds during sintering was investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with EDS analyzer. The mechanical properties of TMC were significantly improved by the additive of CNTs. For example, when employing the pure titanium composite powder coated with CNTs of 0.35 mass%, the increase of tensile strength and yield stress of the extruded TMC was 157 MPa and 169 MPa, respectively, compared to those of extruded titanium materials with no CNT additive. Fractured surfaces of tensile specimens were analyzed by SEM, and the uniform distribution of CNTs and TiC particles, being effective for the dispersion strengthening, at the surface of the TMC were obviously observed. In the case of Mg-Al alloys, in-situ formation of Al2MgC2compounds at the interface between CNTs and Mg-matrix occurred and effective for the tensile transfer loading, and resulted in the increment of tensile strength of the composite material.