Laser-deposited carbon nanotube reinforced nickel matrix composites

Composites based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersed in nickel matrix have been processed using the laser-engineered net shape technique. The present study focuses on the survival of nanotubes in liquid nickel matrix during melt processing. The stability of nanotubes versus graphite powders in liquid nickel has been compared by processing both types of composites under identical conditions and subsequently characterizing their microstructure and chemical stability in detail using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy.