Mechanical characterization of copper coated carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Journal Article · Sun Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 2013 · Materials Characterization

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATCHAR.2013.09.006· OSTI ID:22288687

Maqbool, Adnan ^[1]; Hussain, M. Asif; Khalid, F. Ahmad; Bakhsh, Nabi ^[1]; Hussain, Ali; Kim, Myong Ho ^[2]

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1. Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi 23640, KP (Pakistan)
2. School of Nano and Advanced Material Engineering, Changwon National University, Gyeongnam 641-773 (Korea, Republic of)

In this investigation, carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced aluminum composites were prepared by the molecular-level mixing process using copper coated CNTs. The mixing of CNTs was accomplished by ultrasonic mixing and ball milling. Electroless Cu-coated CNTs were used to enhance the interfacial bonding between CNTs and aluminum. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the homogenous dispersion of Cu-coated CNTs in the composite samples compared with the uncoated CNTs. The samples were pressureless sintered under vacuum followed by hot rolling to promote the uniform microstructure and dispersion of CNTs. In 1.0 wt.% uncoated and Cu-coated CNT/Al composites, compared to pure Al, the microhardness increased by 44% and 103%, respectively. As compared to the pure Al, for 1.0 wt.% uncoated CNT/Al composite, increase in yield strength and ultimate tensile strength was estimated about 58% and 62%, respectively. However, in case of 1.0 wt.% Cu-coated CNT/Al composite, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were increased significantly about 121% and 107%, respectively. - Graphical Abstract: Copper coated CNTs were synthesized by the electroless plating process. Optimizing the plating bath to (1:1) by wt CNTs with Cu, thickness of Cu-coated CNTs has been reduced to 100 nm. Cu-coated CNTs developed the stronger interfacial bonding with the Al matrix which resulted in the efficient transfer of load. Highlights: • Copper coated CNTs were synthesized by the electroless plating process. • Thickness of Cu-coated CNTs has been reduced to 100 nm by optimized plating bath. • In 1.0 wt.% Cu-coated CNT/Al composite, microhardness increased by 103%. • Cu-coated CNTs transfer load efficiently with stronger interfacial bonding. • In 1.0 wt.% Cu-coated CNT/Al composite, Y.S and UTS increased by 126% and 105%.

• OSTI ID: 22288687
• Journal Information: Materials Characterization, Journal Name: Materials Characterization Vol. 86; ISSN 1044-5803; ISSN MACHEX
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ALUMINIUM
BONDING
CARBON NANOTUBES
COPPER
MICROHARDNESS
MICROSTRUCTURE
POWDERS
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
TENSILE PROPERTIES
YIELD STRENGTH