Effect of wrapped Zn plate on the densification of Al-MWCNTs composites produced by cold pressing and liquid phase sintering

To produce highly dense and cost-effective Al-multi-walled carbon nanotube (Al-MWCNT) composites, the composite powders are wrapped by a Zn plate and then cold-pressed. The green compacts are then sintered at 550 °C, which shows ~99%density after sintering for 24 h. During sintering, Zn atoms fill the voids at the powder boundaries by capillary action and are then dissolved into the Al matrix because of the high solubility of Zn in Al, thus assisting densification of the composite powder. The Al/Zn-based composites containing 4 vol% MWCNTs show compressive yield strength (~380 MPa) and high work hardening capacity.