Enhanced microhardness of nanocrystalline carbon nanotube-reinforced Cu composite using planar shock-wave compaction

Planar shock-wave compaction (SWC), at a peak pressure of ∼15 GPa, was used to fabricate 90% dense carbon nanotube-reinforced–Cu composite (SWC-CNT/Cu). Transmission electron microscopy analysis of SWC-CNT/Cu revealed retention of nanoscale size Cu grains, and the presence of shear bands and homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in the Cu matrix. These findings explain the significantly enhanced hardness observed. A Vickers hardness and nanoindentation test for SWC-CNT/Cu indicated enhanced microhardness of 1190 and 1794 MPa, respectively, proving the efficiency of the SWC technique.