Carbon nanotube dispersion in aluminum matrix composites—Quantification and influence on strength

Carbon nanotube (CNT) incorporation in metal matrix composites is hampered by the development of attractive van der Waals forces, which lead to the formation of CNT agglomerates. Therefore, a detailed quantification and characterization of CNT agglomerates and consequently CNT dispersion can enlighten their influence in composites strength. This work presents a comprehensive study, quantifying agglomerates by size, for three different composites (2, 4, and 6 CNT vol%), made with an aluminum-silicon matrix by a powder metallurgy route. From the obtained experimental data, an empirical model that attempts to predict the tensile strength of these composites from CNT agglomerates analysis is presented.