Carbon Nanotube‐Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites

Abstract

Herein, the investigations conducted in the area of aluminum (Al) matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are presented. The application of CNT reinforcement in Al alloys is driven by its exceptional chemical and mechanical properties. The critical issues in the processing techniques, challenges in the interfacial mechanisms between the Al matrix and CNTs, and strengthening effects due to the presence of reinforcements are reviewed. The mechanical properties of CNT/Al composites are found to be effectively enhanced with an addition of CNTs even at a small amount. The extent of strength improvements depends mainly on the dispersion of CNTs in the matrix and interfacial bonding between the matrix and CNTs. Limited theoretical modeling can predict the properties of CNT/Al composites to some extent, but without considering the detailed processing parameters. Based on the gaps identified here, future research directions are suggested, including the relationships between the processing parameters and micro-and nanostructures, and multiscale mechanical modeling and simulation, aiming to further understand the strengthening mechanisms and develop advanced CNT-reinforced Al and other metal composites for critical engineering applications.

Spark Plasma Sintering of Aluminum-Based Powders Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes: Investigation of Electrical Conductivity and Hardness Properties

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as an ideal reinforcement to design novel Al-based CNT nanocomposites [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ] due to their exceptional electrical, mechanical and thermal properties [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The preferred methodology for processing such nanocomposites is through powder metallurgy [ 6 , 10 ]. The uniform dispersion and optimal bonding of CNTs in the Al matrix have been identified as being critical to enhance its physical properties since the formation of interfacial phases between both Al and CNTs can influence mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the Al-based CNT composite [ 11 ].…”

Enhancement of Electrical Conductivity of Aluminum-Based Nanocomposite Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering

“…Carbon-based nanostructures have been widely used for the preparation and processing of metal composites for improving their physical and mechanical properties [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. In this sense, aluminum (Al)-based nanocomposites have proven to be excellent materials for the production of parts with enhanced properties for the aerospace and automobile industries [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Multi-walled or single-walled CNTs (MWCNTs and SWCNTs, respectively) are ideal nanostructures to reinforce Al-based materials [ 1 , 8 ] because of their excellent physical properties [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. It is well-known that the Young modulus value for CNTs is about 1 TPa [ 12 ], while the thermal expansion coefficient can reach values close to K −1 [ 13 ].…”

“…For instance, it was investigated in [ 28 , 29 , 30 ] the impact of the CNT content in the consolidation of nanocomposite powders when varying experimental conditions like load pressure, temperature and holding sintering time. There, the authors concluded that the formation of large-sized CNT clusters hinder particle interaction during sintering process leading to the formation of cracks, pores or voids [ 1 , 31 ]. These results have allowed to identify the best conditions to develop Al-based nanocomposites with enhance physical properties.…”

Silicon Nitride Whisker-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites: Twinning and Precipitation Behavior

“…Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have been widely used for the lightweight structural applications in the aerospace, automotive, and other sectors because of their superior mechanical properties arising from the judicious combination and interaction between the matrix and reinforcement [1][2][3][4][5]. The matrix acts not only as a medium to transfer the load to reinforcements, but also as a load bearer [4,6].…”