Synthesis and characterization of MWCNTs/Al6082 nanocomposites through ultrasonic assisted stir casting technique

The objectives of this work are to investigate the microstructural characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) produced by chemical vapor deposition method and to prepare Al6082/MWCNT nanocomposites by stir casting method. MWCNTs were developed and then ball milled with aluminum powder to obtain its coating on MWCNTs to improve wettability. Similarly, ultrasonic mixing was used to de-agglomerate the bundled MWCNTs during the stir casting process. MWCNTs were added to molten Al6082 with varying weight percentages (0.3-1.2 wt. %) during the stirring process, and microstructural characterization was performed with field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) along with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) for evaluation of elements. EDX analysis of the developed and purified MWCNTs revealed the absence of nickel and other impurities after purification. The Results from the microstructure of nanocomposites indicate that MWCNTs were uniformly distributed for up to 0.9 wt. % of MWCNT and on further increment of MWCNTs, agglomeration was noticed.

Automated summary

The objectives of this work are to investigate the microstructural characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) produced by a chemical vapor deposition method and to prepare Al6082/MWCNT nanocomposites by a stir casting method. The study found that the dispersion of MWCNTs can be improved by coating them with aluminum powder through ball milling and using ultrasonic mixing. The addition of MWCNTs in varying weight percentages during the stirring process yielded a uniform distribution up to 0.9 wt. %, beyond which agglomeration occurred. The purified MWCNTs were found to be free of nickel and other impurities.