Optimizing powder metallurgy methods: Carbon nanotube metal composites.

摘要

Since their discovery in 1991, CNTs have revolutionized the composites industries and continue to show great promise as exotic reinforcers in a variety of materials. Extensive studies have been carried out by researchers to impart the unique physical properties of CNTs in metal systems and understand their interfacial interactions. However, the thermal, electrical and mechanical advantages of CNTs in metal systems are limited because of their tendency to aggregate together in rope-like bundles. The objective of this research is two-fold: 1) optimize carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersal mechanisms in the fabrication of aluminum carbon nanotube metal-matrix composites (Al-CNT/MMCs) via the powder metallurgy method (PM), 2) characterize the effects of CNT morphology on the physical properties of Al-CNT/MMCs.