Consolidation of 1 vol. % carbon nanotube reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites via equal channel angular pressing

In this study, bottom-up type powder processing and top-down type SPD (severe plastic deformation) approaches were combined in order to achieve full density of 1 vol.% carbon nanotube (CNT)-metal matrix composites with superior mechanical properties by improved particle bonding and least grain growth, which were considered as a bottle neck of the bottom-up method using the conventional powder metallurgy of compaction and sintering. ECAP (equal channel angular pressing), the most promising method in SPD, was used for the CNT Cu powder consolidation. The powder ECAP processing with one, two, four and eight route C passes was conducted at room temperature. It was found by mechanical testing of the consolidated 1 vol.% CNT Cu that high mechanical strength could be achieved effectively as a result of the Cu matrix strengthening and improved particle bonding during ECAP. The ECAP processing of powders is a viable method to achieve fully density CNT-Cu nanocomposites. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.