Determination of the mechanical properties of Al/MWCNT composites obtained with the reinforcement of Cu-coated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)

In this study, Al/MWCNT composites were produced by milling copper-coated MWCNTs in small amounts (2.5-7.5%) with aluminum powders using the mechanical alloying method.Then, sintering was applied to the composite material.A phase analysis and microstructure investigations were performed on the as-sintered samples.A hardness test was conducted and tribological performances of the unreinforced and MWCNT-reinforced composites were examined at room temperature.Results showed that the hardness of the base-aluminum alloy was improved.The phase belonging to the MWCNTs was detected with an X-ray diffraction analysis.The wear rate generally decreased with the addition of MWCNTs in all test conditions.Sintering had a positive effect, enhancing the wear and hardness behaviour.Abrasive, adhesive, oxidative and thermal wear mechanisms were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).