Abstract
Spark plasma sintering and hot extrusion processes have been employed for fabricating carbon nanofiber (CNF)-aluminum (Al) matrix bulk materials. The Al powder and the CNFs were mixed in a mixing medium of natural rubber. The CNFs were well dispersed onto the Al particles. After removal of the natural rubber, the Al-CNF mixture powders were highly densified. From the microstructural viewpoint, the composite materials were observed by optical, field-emission scanning electron, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopies. The CNFs were found to be located on every grain boundary and aligned with the extrusion direction of the Al-CNF bulk materials. Some Al carbides (Al 4C 3) were also observed at the surface of the CNFs. This carbide was created by a reaction between the Al and the disordered CNF. The CNFs and the formation of Al 4C 3 play an important role in the enhancement of the mechanical properties of the Al-CNF bulk material. The CNFs can also be used for engineering reinforcement of other matrix materials such as ceramics, polymers and more complex matrices.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 4119-4126 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 May |
Keywords
- Carbon nanofiber (CNF)
- Hot extrusion
- Mechanical properties
- Metal matrix composites
- Spark plasma sintering (SPS)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
- Chemistry(all)
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics