Effects of mechanical alloying on Al6061-CNT composite by semi-solid powder processing

摘要

Extraordinary mechanical and thermal properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can offerrnsignificant improvements in metal composites when used as a reinforcement material. One ofrnthe major challenges in processing of CNT containing composites is the uniform dispersion ofrnCNTs within the metal matrix. In this study, Al6061-CNT composite with different mechanicalrnalloying times (30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr and 3 hr) were fabricated by semi-solid powder processingrn(SPP) to understand its impact on the composite microstructure. Fully densified samples werernobtained. The microstructures and hardness measurement of the composite indicated that the declusteringrnof CNTs mainly occurred in the first two hours.