Carbon nanotube-reinforced aluminum composite produced by induction melting

Aluminum/carbon nanotube composite is a promising candidate material for aerospace applications owing to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Because of the low density of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), their dispersion is difficult in molten metal. We investigated induction melting, a fairly distinct appro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of applied research and technology Vol. 14; no. 4; pp. 215 - 224
Main Authors Mansoor, Muhammad, Shahid, Muhammad
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier España, S.L.U 01.08.2016
Subjects
Crystallite size, Lattice strain
Fractography
Induction melting
Mechanical properties
Metal-matrix composites (MMCs)
Mechanical properties
Metal-matrix composites (MMCs)
Induction melting
Crystallite size, Lattice strain
Fractography
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ISSN1665-6423
DOI10.1016/j.jart.2016.05.002

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Summary:Aluminum/carbon nanotube composite is a promising candidate material for aerospace applications owing to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Because of the low density of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), their dispersion is difficult in molten metal. We investigated induction melting, a fairly distinct approach to facilitate the dispersion of CNTs in molten aluminum. The nanocomposites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and mechanical testing. Refinement in crystallite size (∼320nm) and increase in lattice strain (∼3.24×10−3) were observed in the composites. A simultaneous increase in yield strength (∼77%), tensile strength (∼52%), ductility (∼44%) and hardness (∼45%) was observed. Induction melting appeared to be a potential method to fabricate aluminum–CNTs composites.
ISSN:1665-6423
DOI:10.1016/j.jart.2016.05.002