Synergistic strengthening effect of nanocrystalline copper reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

In this study, a novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced nanocrystalline copper matrix composite with super high strength and moderate plasticity was synthesized. We successfully overcome the agglomeration problem of the carbon nanotubes and the grain growth problem of the nanocrystalline copper matrix by combined use of the electroless deposition and spark plasma sintering methods. The yield strength of the composite reach up to 692 MPa, which is increased by 2 and 5 times comparing with those of the nanocrystalline and coarse copper, respectively. Simultaneously, the plasticity of the composite was also significantly increased in contrast with that of the nanocrystalline copper. The increase of the density of the carbon nanotubes after coating, the isolation effect caused by the copper coating, and the improvement of the compatibility between the reinforcements and matrix as well as the effective control of the grain growth of the copper matrix all contribute to improving the mechanical properties of the composite. In addition, a new strengthening mechanism, i.e., the series-connection effect of the nanocrystalline copper grains introduced by carbon nanotubes, is proposed to further explain the mechanical behavior of the nanocomposite.

Graphene nanoplatelets induced heterogeneous bimodal structural magnesium matrix composites with enhanced mechanical properties

“…The strengthening efficiency is generally used to characterise the strengthening effect of reinforcement. The strengthening efficiency of yield strength was determined by R  = ( σ yc − σ ym )/( V G σ ym )16. The calculated data is also compared with the experimental results of CNTs contained Mg matrix composites in the open publications17181920212223.…”

Microstructure and mechanical properties of zinc matrix composites reinforced with copper coated multiwall carbon nanotubes

“…Many researches have shown that a close interface can be established between MWCNTs and matrix through the surface of MWCNTs modified by various oxygen-containing functional groups such as carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-OH), and atomic oxygen (-O) [22,25,26]. They also found O atoms have a beneficial effect on the interface strength at the interface between the MWCNTs and the metal [22,[27][28][29]. However, the function and chemical structure of O atoms at the atomic level are still not really proved [30,31].…”

Fabrication and Characterization of Ni-CNT Composites by Electrical Explosion of Wire in Different Liquids

“…The Ni-CNT composites are usually fabricated by coating in order to make a thin film, via powder metallurgy (PM) process or mixing process and then combine with sintering to obtain the bulk samples. The aim of these processes is offering the possibility of obtaining uniform parts and reducing production costs [5][6][7][8]. Up to now, many authors have attempted to develop new ways for synthesizing Ni-CNT nanocomposites due to their excellent enhanced not only mechanical properties, but also thermal properties, electrical conductivity and magnetic properties.…”