Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Aluminum Composites

Abstract

The CNT–Al composite wires were prepared by a novel method of direct addition of carbon nanotubes to aluminum molten steel, rather than conventional powder metallurgy and in situ synthesis. The effects of carbon nanotubes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of CNT–Al composites and the dispersion properties of carbon nanotubes were investigated. The improved microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were attributed to the enhancement of carbon nanotubes on the aluminum matrix. When the content of carbon nanotubes is 0.3%, the particle size of CNT–Al composite is 15–25 μm. At that time, mechanical properties of CNT–Al composite are as follows. The tensile strength was 250 MPa, elongation was 4.5%, hardness was HB 80 and bending number was 5.5 times. The simulation of the dispersion of CNTs showed the best dispersion of CNTs with inert gas (N₂) and directly dispersed in molten steel.