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

Recent literature on the electrodeposition of metallic coatings containing nanosized particles is surveyed. The nanosized particles, suspended in the electrolyte by agitation and/or use of surfactants, can be codeposited with the metal. The inclusion of nanosized particles can give (i) an increased microhardness and corrosion resistance, (ii) modified growth to form a nanocrystalline metal deposit and (iii) a shift in the reduction potential of a metal ion. Many operating parameters influence the quantity of incorporated particles, including current density, bath agitation (or movement of work piece) and electrolyte composition. High incorporation rates of the dispersed particles have been achieved using (i) a high nanoparticle concentration in the electrolyte solution, (ii) smaller sized nanoparticles; (iii) a low concentration of electroactive species, (iv) ultrasonication during deposition and (v) pulsed current techniques. Compositional gradient coatings are possible having a controlled distribution of particles in the metal deposit and the theoretical models used to describe the phenomenon of particle codeposition within a metal deposit are critically considered.

Electrodeposition of composite coatings containing nanoparticles in a metal deposit

This is a review on recent developments in the field of conductive nanomaterials and their application in printed electronics, with particular emphasis on inkjet printing of ink formulations based on metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and graphene sheets. The review describes the basic properties of conductive nanomaterials suitable for printed electronics (metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and graphene), their stabilization in dispersions, formulations of conductive inks, and obtaining conductive patterns by using various sintering methods. Applications of conductive nanomaterials for electronic devices (transparent electrodes, metallization of solar cells, RFID antennas, TFTs, and light emitting devices) are also briefly reviewed.

Conductive Nanomaterials for Printed Electronics

Owing to their capability of bypassing conventional high-priced and inflexible silicon based electronics to manufacture a variety of devices on flexible substrates by using large-scale and high-volume printing techniques, printed electronics (PE) have attracted increasing attention in the field of manufacturing industry for electronic devices This simple and cost-effective approach could enhance current methods of constructing a patterned surface for nanomaterials and offer opportunities for developing fully-printed functional devices, especially offering the possibility of ubiquitous low-cost and flexible devices This review presents a summary of work to date on the inorganic nanomaterials involved in PE applications, focused on the utilization of inorganic nanomaterials-based inks in the successful preparation of printed conductive patterns, electrodes, sensors, thin film transistors (TFTs) and other micro-/nanoscale devices The printing techniques, sintering methods and printability of functional inks with their associated challenges are discussed, and we look forward so you can glimpse the future of PE applications

Inorganic nanomaterials for printed electronics: a review

This review describes recent developments in the field of conductive nanomaterials and their application in 2D and 3D printed flexible electronics, with particular emphasis on inks based on metal nanoparticles and nanowires, carbon nanotubes, and graphene sheets. We present the basic properties of these nanomaterials, their stabilization in dispersions, formulation of conductive inks and formation of conductive patterns on flexible substrates (polymers, paper, textile) by using various printing technologies and post-printing processes. Applications of conductive nanomaterials for fabrication of various 2D and 3D electronic devices are also briefly discussed.

Conductive nanomaterials for 2D and 3D printed flexible electronics

http://ir.lib.ncut.edu.tw/bitstream/987654321/1773/1/%E9%83%AD%E8%B2%B9%E9%9A%86+J2.pdf

Nano-particles dispersion effect on Ni/Al2O3 composite coatings

A novel method to produce Pd nanoparticle ink for ink-jet printing technology

In this study, a temperature-responsive palladium catalyst for electroless nickel deposition was prepared. The noble metal nanoparticles that was reduced and stabilized by styrene-N-isopropylacrylamide oligomer (St-co-NIPAAm) showed good dispersion and excellent stability in the aqueous solution without surfactant and reductant in the mixture. The catalytic activity of St-co-NIPAAm/Pd is much higher than that of conventional Sn/Pd colloids. It was found from our result that a nickel film with dramatically enhanced adhesion is formed on the PET surface without special pretreatment step, indicating that St-co-NIPAAm was used not only as the adsorption sites for palladium, but also as an adhesion-promoting layer for the electrolessly deposited nickel on the PET surface. The properties of St-co-NIPAAm/Pd nanocomposite and deposition rate of electroless nickel deposition (EN) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and UV–Vis spectra.

The preparation of thermo-responsive palladium catalyst with high activity for electroless nickel deposition

A method to fabricate good carbon nanotube (CNT) field emitters using electroless codeposition and CNT purification techniques was developed. Multiwalled CNTs (MWNTs) were codeposited with Ni to form a composite layer acting as the emitter. This composite layer is uniform in thickness and the MWNTs distributed in Ni matrix show a strong adhesion to the substrate. To ensure the emitting quality and good dispersion of MWNTs in the composite, heat annealing and acid immersion process were employed. The composite film shows good emission uniformity and the current density of 1.0 mA/cm 2 was obtained at about 5.7 V/μm.

http://esl.ecsdl.org/content/10/9/J101.full.pdf

A Method to Fabricate Field Emitters Using Electroless Codeposited Composite of MWNTs and Nickel

A synchronous investigation of the degradation of metallic bipolar plates in real and simulated environments of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Yann-Cheng Chen

Papers

Nano-particles dispersion effect on Ni/Al2O3 composite coatings

A novel method to produce Pd nanoparticle ink for ink-jet printing technology

The preparation of thermo-responsive palladium catalyst with high activity for electroless nickel deposition

A Method to Fabricate Field Emitters Using Electroless Codeposited Composite of MWNTs and Nickel

A synchronous investigation of the degradation of metallic bipolar plates in real and simulated environments of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells