Effect of carbon nanotubes reinforcement on the mechanical properties of alumina and ZTA composites for ballistic application

Abstract

Toughened and hardened alumina/carbon nanotubes and zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA)/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites were developed by conventional ceramics route using pressureless sintering for the ballistic application. The multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) were functionalized with nitric acid oxidation reaction. Moreover, the surfactants sodium dodecyl sulphate and gum arabic were used to promote a homogeneous distribution of CNT in the ceramic matrix. Ceramic powders were prepared with pure alumina, alumina with the addition of 20 wt% of tetragonal zirconia/yttria, alumina/CNT and ZTA/CNT with the addition of 0.1 and 0.5 wt% of CNT. The morphology of nanocomposites was characterized by SEM-FEG. The mechanical properties of sintered samples were evaluated by flexural bending, Vickers microhardness and fracture toughness by SEVNB method. The addition of CNT in the ceramic and composite caused a general increase in densification, hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness. ZTA composite with the addition of 0.1 wt% of CNT yielded the best results.

The Effect of Carbon Infiltration Through CVI Techniques on The Physical Properties of ZTA

“…It is apparent that the density of ceramic composite increases in tandem with the increases in holding time. This circumstance could be due to the build-up of carbon in the pores of the composite, as demonstrated by Couto et al [16]. As displayed in Fig.…”

“…Due to its high carbon content, EFB is an excellent choice for carbon infiltration in ceramic composites. Furthermore, as EFB biomass is readily available in the oil palm industry, this circumstance not only serve to reduce costs, but also mitigate environmental issues, such as the indiscriminate disposal of waste [16,17]. The infiltration of carbon into the composite is achievable through several methods.…”