Carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum matrix composites with high elongation prepared by flake powder metallurgy

High elongation aluminum matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by flake powder metallurgy, and densified by hot extrusion with a high extrusion ratio. After hot extrusion, fine and equiaxed grains were obtained in 2 wt% CNT/Al composite, and interfacial product (Al4C3) as well as bridge-connected CNTs aligned along the extrusion direction were found both in 1 wt% CNT/Al and 2 wt% CNT/Al composites. Both composites obtained high elongation while their strength was enhanced. Especially the elongation of 2 wt% CNT/Al composite is comparable to that of pure Al prepared by the same method, which reached about 30%. The good ductility mainly attributes to firm interfacial combination between CNTs and matrix, fine and equiaxed grains formed by dynamic recrystallization during hot extrusion, and bridge-connected CNTs aligned along the extrusion direction.