Carbon nanotube reinforced metal matrix composites - a review
TL;DR: In this paper, a review summarises the research work carried out in the field of carbon nanotube (CNT) metal matrix composites (MMCs), focusing on the critical issues of CNT-reinforced MMCs that include processing techniques, nanotubes dispersion, interface, strengthening mechanisms and mechanical properties.
Abstract: 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.
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Journal Article•
28,685 citations
TL;DR: Recently, carbonaceous nanofillers such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) play a promising role due to their better structural, functional properties and broad range of applications in every field as mentioned in this paper.
1,097 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus 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.
Abstract: 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.
877 citations
10 Mar 2014
TL;DR: In this paper, the most important manufacturing techniques used for the synthesis of bulk metal matrix nanocomposites are reviewed and the strengthening mechanisms responsible for the improvement of mechanical properties of nano-reinforced metal matrix composites have been reviewed.
Abstract: 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.
740 citations
TL;DR: In this article, aluminum composites reinforced with graphene nanosheets (GNSs) were fabricated for the first time through a feasible methodology based on flake powder metallurgy.
729 citations
References
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TL;DR: Iijima et al. as mentioned in this paper reported the preparation of a new type of finite carbon structure consisting of needle-like tubes, which were produced using an arc-discharge evaporation method similar to that used for fullerene synthesis.
Abstract: THE synthesis of molecular carbon structures in the form of C60 and other fullerenes1 has stimulated intense interest in the structures accessible to graphitic carbon sheets. Here I report the preparation of a new type of finite carbon structure consisting of needle-like tubes. Produced using an arc-discharge evaporation method similar to that used for fullerene synthesis, the needles grow at the negative end of the electrode used for the arc discharge. Electron microscopy reveals that each needle comprises coaxial tubes of graphitic sheets, ranging in number from 2 up to about 50. On each tube the carbon-atom hexagons are arranged in a helical fashion about the needle axis. The helical pitch varies from needle to needle and from tube to tube within a single needle. It appears that this helical structure may aid the growth process. The formation of these needles, ranging from a few to a few tens of nanometres in diameter, suggests that engineering of carbon structures should be possible on scales considerably greater than those relevant to the fullerenes. On 7 November 1991, Sumio Iijima announced in Nature the preparation of nanometre-size, needle-like tubes of carbon — now familiar as 'nanotubes'. Used in microelectronic circuitry and microscopy, and as a tool to test quantum mechanics and model biological systems, nanotubes seem to have unlimited potential.
39,086 citations
Journal Article•
28,685 citations
"Carbon nanotube reinforced metal ma..." refers background or methods in this paper
...Yang et al.125,126 have reported increase in pitting potential by 24% with 5 wt-%CNT addition, whereas Chen and colleagues101 have reported a 75% increase in the same without mentioning CNT content....
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...Apart from these, Yang et al.125 have also reported that CNTs in the Ni matrix hinder growth of corrosion pits....
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...Some of the studies have tried to correlate the concentration of CNT in the coating with that in the bath.(125,129,131,136) The bath compositions were optimised to obtain a maximum CNT concentration....
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...Yang et al.29 have achieved homogeneous distribution of CNT in Mg matrix by mechanical mixing of the powders in an alcohol and acid mixture followed by sintering at 823 K....
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...A recent study by Yang et al.111 showed at up to 10 wt-% SWCNT addition, that the electrical resistivity of Cu-CNT composites remains same as that of pure Cu....
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Journal Article•
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11,116 citations
"Carbon nanotube reinforced metal ma..." refers background in this paper
...Sun et al.(109) achieved a significant increase in the ultimate tensile strength of 320% for SWCNT and 270% for MWCNT addition in electrodeposited Ni Films....
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...Sun et al.109 achieved a significant increase in the ultimate tensile strength of 320% for SWCNT and 270% for MWCNT addition in electrodeposited Ni Films....
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