Structural evolution of multi-walled carbon nanotubes during the consolidation of Al matrix composites

Weiwei Zhou, Chao Chen, Yuchi Fan, Keiko Kikuchi, Naoyuki Nomura, Akira Kawasaki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The crystalline integrity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) plays a critical role in determining the performance of MWCNT/Al composites. In this work, the structural evolution of MWCNTs during composite consolidation was studied via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The MWCNTs were not structurally damaged during the spark plasma sintering of MWCNT/Al mixed powders. However, two kinds of fractures, i.e., clear break and sword-in-sheath failure, were generated under severe plastic deformation of Al during hot extrusion. We concluded that the MWCNT failure, seen on the fractured composites, was caused by the consolidation process rather than the tensile tests. This work provides a better understanding of the strengthening behavior of MWCNTs, and the design of high-performance MWCNT/Al composites using suitable consolidation techniques.

Original languageEnglish
Article number126731
JournalMaterials Letters
Volume257
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Dec 15

Keywords

  • Al matrix composites
  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Load transfer
  • Powder metallurgy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Structural evolution of multi-walled carbon nanotubes during the consolidation of Al matrix composites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this