A Case Study for Fabrication of MWCNT-TiO2 Hybrid Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Nanocomposites

Abstract

One of the most important applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is as reinforcement of metal matrix composites, because of their excellent mechanical properties. In this study, Al-TiO2-multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite is fabricated using isostatic pressing followed by hot extrusion. Mechanical alloying is used to mix powders of aluminium, TiO2 and MWCNTs. TiO2 with the amounts of 1, 2 and 3 wt% and CNTs with 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt% are used. Mechanical properties of Al-TiO2-CNT Nano composites were characterized with tensile and microhardness test. The morphology and microstructure of fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using field emission scanning (FESEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the maximum ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was observed for the Al-0.5 wt% CNT–1wt% TiO2 nanocomposite, which exhibited about 28% increase compared to the 1wt%TiO2- Al sample. The results showed that the addition of MWCNTs with uniform distribution improved the tensile strength and micro hardness.