Carbon nanotube reinforced metal matrix composites - a review

Abstract

This review summarises the research work carried out in the field of carbon nanotube (CNT) metal matrix composites (MMCs). Much research has been undertaken in utilising CNTs as reinforcement for composite material. However, CNT-reinforced MMCs have received the least attention. These composites are being projected for use in structural applications for their high specific strength as well as functional materials for their exciting thermal and electrical characteristics. The present review focuses on the critical issues of CNT-reinforced MMCs that include processing techniques, nanotube dispersion, interface, strengthening mechanisms and mechanical properties. Processing techniques used for synthesis of the composites have been critically reviewed with an objective to achieve homogeneous distribution of carbon nanotubes in the matrix. The mechanical property improvements achieved by addition of CNTs in various metal matrix systems are summarised. The factors determining strengthening achieved by CNT reinforcement are elucidated as are the structural and chemical stability of CNTs in different metal matrixes and the importance of the CNT/metal interface has been reviewed. The importance of CNT dispersion and its quantification is highlighted. Carbon nanotube reinforced MMCs as functional materials are summarised. Future work that needs attention is addressed.

High-temperature properties of extruded titanium composites fabricated from carbon nanotubes coated titanium powder by spark plasma sintering and hot extrusion

“…Since the official report of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by Iijima in 1991 [1], they have been expected to be a promising reinforcement in composite materials processing because they remarkably show superior mechanical properties such as high Young's modulus of about 1TPa and tensile strength of about 20 GPa [2][3][4]. Recently, CNTs have been widely used as reinforcing materials for metal matrix composites (MMCs).…”

Reinforcement with graphene nanosheets in aluminum matrix composites

“…The third drawback is that the processing parameters, microstructure, interfacial reaction and bonding of the GNS/Al composite used were not optimized, leaving much room for improvement. As in the CNT/Al composites [7], the possible formation of aluminum carbide (Al 4 C 3 ) at the GNS/Al interface may also have a great effect on the strength enhancement.…”

“…To meet ever increasing demands for structural strength and energy efficiency, CNT-reinforced aluminum composites (CNT/Al) have been investigated extensively and intensively over the past decade [7]. Though many improvements have been made, it may still be a long time until CNT/Al composites are used in practical applications.…”

Surface Morphology Analysis of Composite Thin Films based on Titanium-Dioxide Nanoparticles

“…This was formerly the case, for example, for carbon nanotubes [6], and recently the same is occurring also for * corresponding author; e-mail: marco.salerno@iit.it graphene flakes [7,8]. Here we report on the morphological properties of composites obtained by dispersing in a common polymer, poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA), elongated nanocrystals of titanium-dioxide (titania).…”