Spark plasma sintered multi-wall carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Aluminum (Al) matrix composites reinforced with 0–2.0 wt.% multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by thorough mixing of the composite powders in a roller mill and then sintered using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) machine followed by hot extrusion. Fully dense Al–MWCNT composites were obtained. The microstructure and mechanical properties of these composites were characterized: there is a significant enhancement in the Al–MWCNT composite properties at initial loadings 0.5 wt.% of MWCNTs when compared to Al samples without much increase in cost.