A new technique for dispersion of carbon nanotube in a metal melt

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• 作者：Xiaoshu Zeng ; GuoHua Zhou ; Qiang Xu ; Yijing Xiong ; Chao Luo ; Jicai Wu
• 关键词：Cast magnesium alloy ; Carbon nanotube ; Metal based composite ; Stir-mix process ; Carbon nanotube block
• 刊名：Materials Science and Engineering: A
• 出版年：2010
• 出版时间：25 July 2010
• 年：2010
• 卷：527
• 期：20
• 页码：5335-5340
• 全文大小：1565 K

文摘

A major issue in achieving the best potential of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced metal matrix composites is to disperse homogeneously CNTs within the matrix of magnesium–aluminum alloys. In order to address this issue, we have developed a new approach by adding multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) into a magnesium–aluminum alloy matrix. This could trigger significant de-bundling of the nanotubes within the molten alloy. Also, we have characterized mechanical properties of the CNT-blended matrix, such as microstructure, matrix/nanotube interface, and dispersion of the nanotubes, by employing optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffractometer. This method remarkably facilitated a uniform dispersion of nanotubes within the magnesium alloy matrix as well as a refinement of grain size. No significant reaction was observed between the nanotubes and the metallic matrix. Finally, we observed a maximum tensile strength at 210.3 MPa and an elongation rate of 8.56 % , which represents an increase of 30.8 % and 124.1 % , respectively, over the parental alloy. Together, our study establishes a new approach to disperse carbon nanotubes in a metal matrix, which could be applicable for CNT materials with higher potential.