Fabrication and mechanical property prediction of carbon nanotube reinforced Aluminum nanocomposites

The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in nanotechnology and leading industries is of extreme importance due to its various applications. One such application is producing Aluminum reinforced nanocomposites which may find applications in the aerospace and automobile industries. Scientists and engineers have, recently, concentrated increasing attention on the manufacturing and modeling of such materials. This paper deals with preparing Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Aluminum Nanocomposite (CNRAN) and predicting its mechanical and surface properties using the finite element method (FEM). To prepare the reinforced nanocomposite, a pre-alloyed powder was milled in a planetary ball mill under the argon atmosphere. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were then added to the powder in a particular procedure. Next, a finite element model consisting of MWCNTs as the fibers and Aluminum as the matrix was constructed. A series of nano-indentation tests were carried out to obtain the mechanical and surface properties of the constructed material. The finite element models were then used to predict the results obtained from real indentation tests. The predicted hardness and elastic modulus from the FE model show good agreement with experimental findings.

Graphical abstract.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fabrication of carbon nanotube reinforced Aluminum nanocomposites (CNRAN). ► Indentation tests for mechanical property evaluation of constructed nanocomposite. ► Prediction of CNRAN mechanical and surface properties for wavy and straight CNTs. ► Calculating the Young’s modulus and hardness of composite from FE model. ► Comparing the simulation results with experimental data.