This review summarises the research work carried out in the field of carbon nanotube (CNT) metal matrix composites (MMCs). Much research has been undertaken in utilising CNTs as reinforcement for composite material. However, CNT-reinforced MMCs have received the least attention. These composites are being projected for use in structural applications for their high specific strength as well as functional materials for their exciting thermal and electrical characteristics. The present review focuses on the critical issues of CNT-reinforced MMCs that include processing techniques, nanotube dispersion, interface, strengthening mechanisms and mechanical properties. Processing techniques used for synthesis of the composites have been critically reviewed with an objective to achieve homogeneous distribution of carbon nanotubes in the matrix. The mechanical property improvements achieved by addition of CNTs in various metal matrix systems are summarised. The factors determining strengthening achieved by CNT reinforcement are elucidated as are the structural and chemical stability of CNTs in different metal matrixes and the importance of the CNT/metal interface has been reviewed. The importance of CNT dispersion and its quantification is highlighted. Carbon nanotube reinforced MMCs as functional materials are summarised. Future work that needs attention is addressed.

Carbon nanotube reinforced metal matrix composites - a review

In recent years there have been many papers that considered the effects of material length scales in the study of mechanics of solids at micro- and/or nano-scales There are a number of approaches and, among them, one set of papers deals with Eringen's differential nonlocal model and another deals with the strain gradient theories The modified couple stress theory, which also accounts for a material length scale, is a form of a strain gradient theory The large body of literature that has come into existence in the last several years has created significant confusion among researchers about the length scales that these various theories contain The present paper has the objective of establishing the fact that the length scales present in nonlocal elasticity and strain gradient theory describe two entirely different physical characteristics of materials and structures at nanoscale By using two principle kernel functions, the paper further presents a theory with application examples which relates the classical nonlocal elasticity and strain gradient theory and it results in a higher-order nonlocal strain gradient theory In this theory, a higher-order nonlocal strain gradient elasticity system which considers higher-order stress gradients and strain gradient nonlocality is proposed It is based on the nonlocal effects of the strain field and first gradient strain field This theory intends to generalize the classical nonlocal elasticity theory by introducing a higher-order strain tensor with nonlocality into the stored energy function The theory is distinctive because the classical nonlocal stress theory does not include nonlocality of higher-order stresses while the common strain gradient theory only considers local higher-order strain gradients without nonlocal effects in a global sense By establishing the constitutive relation within the thermodynamic framework, the governing equations of equilibrium and all boundary conditions are derived via the variational approach Two additional kinds of parameters, the higher-order nonlocal parameters and the nonlocal gradient length coefficients are introduced to account for the size-dependent characteristics of nonlocal gradient materials at nanoscale To illustrate its application values, the theory is applied for wave propagation in a nonlocal strain gradient system and the new dispersion relations derived are presented through examples for wave propagating in Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko nanobeams The numerical results based on the new nonlocal strain gradient theory reveal some new findings with respect to lattice dynamics and wave propagation experiment that could not be matched by both the classical nonlocal stress model and the contemporary strain gradient theory Thus, this higher-order nonlocal strain gradient model provides an explanation to some observations in the classical and nonlocal stress theories as well as the strain gradient theory in these aspects

A higher-order nonlocal elasticity and strain gradient theory and its applications in wave propagation

One-dimensional carbon nanotubes and two-dimensional graphene nanosheets with unique electrical, mechanical and thermal properties are attractive reinforcements for fabricating light weight, high strength and high performance metal-matrix composites. Rapid advances of nanotechnology in recent years enable the development of advanced metal matrix nanocomposites for structural engineering and functional device applications. This review focuses on the recent development in the synthesis, property characterization and application of aluminum, magnesium, and transition metal-based composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets. These include processing strategies of carbonaceous nanomaterials and their composites, mechanical and tribological responses, corrosion, electrical and thermal properties as well as hydrogen storage and electrocatalytic behaviors. The effects of nanomaterial dispersion in the metal matrix and the formation of interfacial precipitates on these properties are also addressed. Particular attention is paid to the fundamentals and the structure–property relationships of such novel nanocomposites.

Recent progress in the development and properties of novel metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets

Metal matrix composites reinforced by nano-particles are very promising materials, suitable for a large number of applications. These composites consist of a metal matrix filled with nano-particles featuring physical and mechanical properties very different from those of the matrix. The nano-particles can improve the base material in terms of wear resistance, damping properties and mechanical strength. Different kinds of metals, predominantly Al, Mg and Cu, have been employed for the production of composites reinforced by nano-ceramic particles such as carbides, nitrides, oxides as well as carbon nanotubes. The main issue of concern for the synthesis of these materials consists in the low wettability of the reinforcement phase by the molten metal, which does not allow the synthesis by conventional casting methods. Several alternative routes have been presented in literature for the production of nano-composites. This work is aimed at reviewing the most important manufacturing techniques used for the synthesis of bulk metal matrix nanocomposites. Moreover, the strengthening mechanisms responsible for the improvement of mechanical properties of nano-reinforced metal matrix composites have been reviewed and the main potential applications of this new class of materials are envisaged.

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Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced by Nano-Particles—A Review

Carbon nanotubes are molecular-scale tubes of graphitic carbon with outstanding properties. They are among the stiffest and strongest fibres known, with Young's moduli as high as 1 TPa and tensile strengths of up to 63 GPa. They also have remarkable electronic properties and can be metallic or semiconducting depending on their structure and diameter. There is currently great interest in exploiting these properties by incorporating carbon nanotubes into some form of matrix. A wide range of polymer matrices have been employed, and there is growing interest in nanotube/ceramic and nanotube/metal composites. This review outlines the properties of carbon nanotubes and describes the preparation and properties of carbon nanotube composites. The prospects for commercial exploitation of these materials are discussed.

http://www.personal.rdg.ac.uk/~scsharip/IMR3.pdf

Xinyu Zhang

Papers

Tribological application of carbon nanotubes in a metal-based composite coating and composites

Preparation and properties of TiB2 nanoparticle reinforced copper matrix composites by in situ processing

Friction and wear behavior of electroless Ni-based CNT composite coatings

Effect of aging treatment on the electrical sliding wear behavior of Cu–Cr–Zr alloy

Tribological properties of Ni–P-multi-walled carbon nanotubes electroless composite coating