Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites Prepared by Ball Milling

Abstract

In the present work, we employed low-energy ball milling in dry and wet conditions to synthesize Al-MWCNT composites with homogeneous distribution of reinforcing phases. Dry ball milling easily resulted in the collapse of MWCNTs as well as a cold welding of constituent particles. Wet milling, on the other hand, induced a homogeneous distribution of MWCNTs and matrix phase. However, the oxidation of aluminum which results in a poor sinterability, was a major problem in wet milling. The optimum content of MWCNT in the composites was 0.5 and 1 wt% for dry and wet milling, respectively.