Synthesis and Characterization of Aluminum Composite Reinforced by Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

This research focuses on the characterization of Al-CNTs composites synthesized by mechanical stir casting process. In the sight of Al-CNT composites, researchers have surveyed and opted many approaches for synthesis of Al-CNT composites. Some investigators have effectively fabricated Al-CNT composites, but they have met a common problem of agglomeration of CNTs in the Al matrix. In this study, we are mixing (>99% purity) MWCNTs in the aluminum matrix (Al-7075t651) in different ratio with weight percent. Stirrer with four blades has been used to promote the homogeneity of CNTs in Al matrix. Dimensions of MWCNTs were diameter 10–12 nm and length 4–8 μm. With the addition of 0.1 wt% CNTs and 0.15 wt% CNTs in Al matrix, the tensile strength at peak was approximately increased by 11 and 27%, whereas with the addition of 0.2 wt% CNT, tensile strength at peak was decreased by 7% as compared to 0 wt% CNT in Al matrix. Addition of CNTs up to 0.15 wt% in Al matrix has shown increase in the hardness while further addition of CNTs beyond 0.15 wt% resulted in decrease in hardness.