Improved dispersion of carbon nanotubes in aluminum nanocomposites

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Sónia Simões (Author) FEUP; Filomena Viana (Author) FEUP; Marcos A. L. Reis (Author) Other; Manuel F. Vieira (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Composite Structures

Vol. 108 No. FEB 2014

Pages: 992-1000

ISSN: 0263-8223

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 65 Citations

Scopus - 73 Citations

INSPEC

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Materials engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Materials engineering ; Technological sciences > Engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-7DK

DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2013.10.043

Abstract (EN): In this study, we investigated the influence of the dispersion technique of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in the production of aluminum matrix nanocomposites. Three production routes using different dispersion techniques were tested: in R1 route the CNT were dispersed using an ultrasonic bath; in R2 route the dispersion was achieved by ultrasonication, while in R3 route the dispersion and mixing were performed by ultrasonication CNT and Al powders. Nanocomposites with several CNT contents (0.25-2.0 wt.%) were produced by conventional powder metallurgy procedures. Microstructural characterization by scanning and transmission electron microscopies revealed that the best dispersion of the CNT is obtained using R3 route. Nanocomposites with 0.75 wt.% of CNT exhibit well dispersed and embedded nanotubes and the highest hardness and tensile strength. The observed 200% increase in the tensile strength attested the strengthening effect of the CNT and the efficiency of the new dispersion treatment (R3 route).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9