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

https://pureadmin.qub.ac.uk/ws/files/126683921/Edited_sudagar_R1.pdf

Electroless nickel, alloy, composite and nano coatings – A critical review

Lithium metal has been regarded as the future anode material for high-energy-density rechargeable batteries due to its favorable combination of negative electrochemical potential and high theoretical capacity. However, uncontrolled lithium deposition during lithium plating/stripping results in low Coulombic efficiency and severe safety hazards. Herein, we report that nanodiamonds work as an electrolyte additive to co-deposit with lithium ions and produce dendrite-free lithium deposits. First-principles calculations indicate that lithium prefers to adsorb onto nanodiamond surfaces with a low diffusion energy barrier, leading to uniformly deposited lithium arrays. The uniform lithium deposition morphology renders enhanced electrochemical cycling performance. The nanodiamond-modified electrolyte can lead to a stable cycling of lithium | lithium symmetrical cells up to 150 and 200 h at 2.0 and 1.0 mA cm–2, respectively. The nanodiamond co-deposition can significantly alter the lithium plating behavior, affording a promising route to suppress lithium dendrite growth in lithium metal-based batteries.

/pdf/nanodiamonds-suppress-the-growth-of-lithium-dendrites-30inntxam9.pdf

Nanodiamonds suppress the growth of lithium dendrites.

Recent progress in the preparation, properties and applications of superhydrophobic nano-based coatings and surfaces: A review

High corrosion resistance of electroless composite plating coatings on AZ91D magnesium alloys

Nanometer Diamond (ND) was synthesized by using the detonation method. It was a kind of materials with properties of diamond and nanometer particle. The Ni–P–ND composite coating was prepared from a suspension of diamond nanoparticles in electroless bath. The tribological properties, hardness and corrosion behaviours of the composite coating on medium carbon steels were investigated. The Ni–P–ND composite coating exhibits not only high wear resistance but also low friction coefficient compared with the Ni–P composite coating. The highest microhardness of the Ni–P–ND composite coating was obtained by heat treated at 673 K. The corrosion resistance of Ni–P–ND composite coating is superior to that of Ni–P coating. The mechanisms of improvement of the tribological and electrochemical properties of the electroless composite coating are also discussed.

Synthesis and properties of electroless Ni–P–Nanometer Diamond composite coatings

Preparation and properties of Ni/P/single-walled carbon nanotubes composite coatings by means of electroless plating

The fabrication and corrosion behavior of electroless Ni–P-carbon nanotube composite coatings

Ni-P-ultrafine diamond (UFD) and Ni-P-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite coatings were deposited by electroplating at 76°C. The relation between the content of the incorporation and the amount of the UFD and CNTs in the electroplating solution was investigated. The corrosion behavior of the composite coatings was evaluated by polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 0.1 M NaCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 solutions. It was found that increasing the UFD content in the coatings displays better corrosion performance, while a contrary result for the CNTs incorporated alloys was found due to the special structural state. The results show the incorporation of UFD and CNTs in Ni-P coatings is advantageous for forming better passive films.

Yan-Li Shi

Papers

Synthesis and properties of electroless Ni–P–Nanometer Diamond composite coatings

Preparation and properties of Ni/P/single-walled carbon nanotubes composite coatings by means of electroless plating

The fabrication and corrosion behavior of electroless Ni–P-carbon nanotube composite coatings

Preparation of electroplated Ni-P-ultrafine diamond, Ni-P-carbon nanotubes composite coatings and their corrosion properties