The Influence of the Dispersion Method on the Microstructure and Properties of MWCNTs/AA6061 Composites

The aim of this work was to study the effect of different methods of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dispersion, and their influence on the microstructure and properties of aluminium alloy matrix composites produced using the powder metallurgy techniques, such as powder milling/mixing and hot extrusion. The main problem in the manufacturing of nanocomposites is the homogeneous distribution of MWCNTs in the metal matrix. To achieve their proper distribution a high-energy and low-energy mechanical milling, using a planetary ball mill, and mixing, using a turbulent mixer, were applied. Studies have shown that composite materials prepared using milling and extrusion have a much better dispersion of the reinforcing phase, which leads to better mechanical properties of the obtained rods. The low-energy mechanical mixing and mixing using the turbulent mixer neither change the powder morphology nor lead to adequate dispersion of the carbon nanotubes, which directly affects the resulting properties.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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