Synthesis of Physically Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Al-Si Nanocomposite by Spark Plasma Sintering

Abstract:

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced Al-Si (11 wt%) alloy based nanocomposites were synthesized by spark plasma sintering using high energy ball milled nanocrystalline Al-Si powders mixed with physically functionalized MWCNTs. Improvement in MWCNT dispersion and associated improvement in densification of the nanocomposites were confirmed. The microhardness and elastic modulus of the nanocomposites measured by nanoindentation exhibited appreciable improvement. Grain size measurement by X ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed achievement of nanocrystalline grains in Al-Si powder after ball milling, as well as in the consolidated nanocomposites. TEM analysis was performed to reveal the dislocation activity, effect of presence of primary Si and distribution of MWCNTs in the nanocomposites.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volumes 783-786)
• Pages: 1542-1547
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.783-786.1542
• Online since: May 2014
• Authors: Anway Maiti*, Ram S. Maurya, Tapas Laha
• Keywords: Al-Si Alloy, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT), Nanocomposite, Physical Functionalization, Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

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