Effects of plasma surface modification on interfacial behaviors and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube-Al_2O_3 nanocomposites

摘要

The effects of plasma surface modification on interfacial behaviors in carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced alumina (Al_2O_3) nanocomposites were studied. A unique plasma polymerization method was used to modify the surfaces of CNTs and Al_2O_3 nanoparticles. The CNT-Al_2O_3 nanocomposites were processed by both ambient pressure and hot-press sintering. The electron microscopy results showed ultrathin polymer coating on the surfaces of CNTs and Al_2O_3 nanoparticles. A distinctive stress-strain curve difference related to the structural interfaces and plasma coating was observed from the nanocomposites. The mechanical performance and thermal stability of CNT-Al_2O_3 nanocomposites were found to be significantly enhanced by the plasma-polymerized coating.