Microstructures and tensile behavior of carbon nanotubes reinforced Cu matrix composites with molecular-level dispersion

• Published in: Materials in engineering Vol. 34; pp. 298 - 301
• Main Authors: Xue, Z.W., Wang, L.D., Zhao, P.T., Xu, S.C., Qi, J.L., Fei, W.D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2012
• Subjects: COMPOSITES; Copper; Dispersions; Elongation; FRACTOGRAPHY; Microstructure; MICROSTRUCTURES; REINFORCEMENT; SINTERING; Spark plasma sintering; SPARK SINTERING; Tensile strength; TUBE; YIELD STRENGTH
• ISSN: 0261-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2011.08.021

► Cu–CNT composite powders with molecular-level dispersion were fabricated. ► The Cu–5 vol% CNTs composites were successfully hot rolled up to 50% reduction. ► CNTs can remarkably improve the tensile and yield strength of Cu composites. ► The elongation of composites with molecular-level dispersion decreases greatly. A new process of molecular-level mixing was used to fabricate successfully the Cu–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite powders. The phase composition and microstructures of the composite powders were studied. Cu–CNTs composites with molecular-level dispersion have been fabricated by spark plasma sintering, and then the composites were successfully hot rolled up to 50% reduction. The tensile behavior and fractographs of the composites have been studied, the results indicate that a little amount of CNTs added in the Cu matrix can remarkably improve the tensile strength and yield strength of Cu matrix. With a higher degree of CNTs dispersion, the yield strength and tensile strength of the Cu–CNTs composites can obviously improve, but the special elongation decreases greatly.