Synthesis and characterization of plasma spray formed carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum composite

A trend has been perceived in the field of composite materials to employ carbon nanotubes as reinforcement in synthesizing composites of unique properties. In this endeavor, free standing structures of Al-based nanostructured composite with carbon nanotubes as second phase particles has been synthesized by plasma spray forming technique. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy has been carried out to analyze the composite structure and to verify the retention of carbon nanotubes. Besides, density and microhardness measurements have been performed to understand the effect of carbon nanotube reinforcement on the mechanical properties of the composite. The characterization affirms the presence of unmelted and chemically unreacted carbon nanotubes in the composite. Moreover, the composite experienced an increase in relative microhardness due to the presence of carbon nanotube. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.