Processing and Characterization of Aluminium - Silver Coated MWCNT Composite Made By Vacuum Hot Pressing

In this research work, Al 1wt% silver coated multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite have been processed using powder metallurgy technique. In order to distribute CNT uniformly in the aluminum matrix high energy ball milling is required. . It was found that excessive milling can lead to carbide and alumina formation. So to reduce the milling time, the surface of CNT is modified by coating it with silver. In order to obtain surface modification of carbon nanotubes, electroless coating of silver has been given to carbon nanotubes after liquid phase oxidation, sensitization and activation. Since Al / 1wt% MWCNT could not be sintered, Silicon has been added as sintering agent. Al along with 1wt% silver coated MWCNT and 9wt% of Silicon is milled together in a planetary ball mill for 4 hour. The composite powders were compacted using Vacuum Hot Pressing (VHP). CNT dispersion, phase analysis and powder morphology of the composite is investigated using XRD, SEM and optical microscopy. Density of the composite is measured using Archimedes density principle. Hardness of the composite is measured using Brinell hardness tester.