Microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of Al/carbon nanotubes composite

In this research, Al composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were fabricated by powder metallurgy. The produced samples were prepared from CNTs with 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 5 wt.%. The milling process was performed by a planetary ball mill and the samples were compacted under a force of 10 tons for 1 minute. Prior to measurements, the samples were heated at 580 degrees C for half an hour. Also, electrical resistance, density and hardness of the samples were measured and the effect of sintering temperature on the samples with 1.5 wt.% of CNTs was investigated. The samples were heated at 480, 580, 700 and 1200 degrees C for half an hour and it was observed that the annealing temperature had a significant effect on the hardness increase of the samples. It was found that the annealing time did not have a significant effect on the hardness of the samples. Measurements showed that by increasing the wt.% of CNTs, the and density of the composite continuously decreased but the electrical resistance and hardness of the samples increased.