The effects of ball milling intensity on morphology of multiwall carbon nanotubes

The effect of ball milling on the morphology of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is studied. Moderate ball milling intensity generates a good yield of open tips with minimum damage to the tubular structure. The open tips exhibit symmetrical or asymmetrical morphology, depending on how they are generated. A symmetrical and round morphology is characteristic for most of the closed tips observed both before and after ball milling. The present observations suggest that the milling system can be further tuned for optimum results.