Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube/Aluminum Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgical and Repeated Hot-Rolling Techniques

This research aimed to fabricate lightweight and high-strength carbon nanotube (CNT)/aluminum (Al) composites by powder metallurgical and repeated hot-rolling techniques. The fabrication was conducted in three steps: (1) CNT dispersion, (2) preparation of CNT/Al compacts by powder metallurgical slurry methods, and (3) strengthening and refining of CNT/Al composites by repeated hot rolling. The processes of dispersion of CNTs were carried out with dimethylacetamide as a solvent and potassium carbonate as a dispersing agent, which is an inorganic salt, under ultrasonic sonication conditions. Effect of sonication time on dispersion states and mechanical properties was also examined.