Mirostructure and Microhardness of Aluminum-Copper Composite Reinforced with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes prepared by Vacuum Sintering and Hot Isostatic Pressing Techniques

Authors

  • Pham Van Trinh Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
  • Nguyen Van Luan Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
  • Doan Dinh Phuong Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
  • Phan Ngoc Minh Institute of Materials Science, Center for High Technology Development (HTD) and Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

Abstract

In this study, we report the processing, microstructure, and microhardness of aluminum-copper composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Composite powders were prepared by a high energy ball (HEB) milling process then consolidated by vacuum sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) techniques. The specimens show a uniform dispersion of CNTs in the Al–Cu matrix with CNT content up to 1 wt.% and a cluster formation observed with higher CNT content of 1.5 wt.%. The specimens have a relative density of 92 % to 95 % for composites sintered by vacuum sintering and 93 % to 96 % for composites sintered by HIP. Microhardness of specimens increases with increasing CNT content up to 1 wt% and then decreases due to the formation of CNT clusters. Microhardness is enhanced both by the dispersion strengthening effect of CNTs and by precipitation hardening of Al-Cu matrix.

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Published

2018-06-13

Issue

Vol. 50 No. 2 (2018)

Section

Articles