Synthesis and Characterization of Aluminum-Carbon Nanotube Composite by Cryogenic Milling

Cryogenic milling was studied for the ex situ strengthening of aluminum (Al) with carbon nanotubes (CNT). Characterization of mechanically alloyed Al-CNT powders was conducted in preparation for bulk powder processing to be used in cold spray. Al-CNT metal matrix composite powders with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% CNT were synthesized by cryogenic milling of the blended component powders. Stearic acid was used as a process control agent to minimize agglomeration of the powders upon milling. CNT reinforcement of the Al powder was successfully obtained while maintain CNT structure after milling the powders for periods ranging between six and 90 minutes using a SPEX 6870 Freezer/Mill. Composition and properties of the Al-CNT composite was studied using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, nanoindentation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and laser diffraction particle size analysis.

Department dc:contributor.department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Bottolfson, Brent A.

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Osswald, Sebastian
• Brewer, Luke

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/6772

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/6772