Mechanical Properties of MWCNT Reinforced Aluminium Nano Composites Synthesized Through Powder Metallurgy

Abstract

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced aluminium nano composites were synthesized using powder metallurgy technique and then cold extruded as secondary process. CNTs were added by 0.5wt%, 1wt%, 1.5wt% with aluminium powders and ball milled to obtain homogeneous mixture. The effects of carbon nano tubes (CNTs) on the mechanical properties of Al were investigated. The effect of mixing through ball milling, sintering temperature and extrusion process on the microstructure is explored. Mechanical property characterization reveals an improvement of yield strength, ductility with higher weight percentages of CNTs incorporated in the Al matrix.

Keywords: Aluminium nano composites, Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tubes, Powder metallurgy process, Cold extrusion, High Energy Ball milling, Sintering