Laser micromachining of CNT/Fe/Al2O3 nanocomposites

CNT/Fe/Al2O3 mixed powders were synthesized from Fe/Al2O3 nanopowders using thermal CVD for the homogeneous dispersion of carbon nanotubes CNTs. CNTs consisted of MWNT, and the diameter was approximately 20-30 nm. After sintering, CNTs were homogenously located throughout Al2O3 grain boundary and were buckled. A femto-second laser installed with special optical systems was used for micromachining of the nanocomposites. The relationship between material ablation rate and energy fluence was theoretically investigated and compared with experimental results from cross-sectional SEM analysis. The nanocomposites which have higher content of CNT show a fairly good machining result due to its higher thermal conductivity and smaller grain size as well as lower light transmittance.