Microstructural characterization of Al-MWCNT composites produced by mechanical milling and hot extrusion

Aluminum-based nanocomposites were produced using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dispersion by mechanical milling (MM) followed by sintering and hot extrusion. MWCNTs showed stability after MM and thermo-mechanical processes. Excellent adhesion of nanotubes to Al-matrix was observed. Formation of an amorphous interface between nanotubes and aluminum matrix in nanocomposites was observed by TEM. This amorphous layer is probably responsible of the excellent adhesion of MWCNTs to the aluminum matrix.