Mechanical properties and fracture characterization of 2024Al composite reinforced with carbon nanotube

In order to investigate the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) on the properties of Al matrix composite, 2024Al matrix composite reinforced with 1.0wt.% multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was fabricated by cold isostatic pressing and hot extrusion techniques. Mechanical properties of the composite were measured by a tensile test, and the microstructure was observed using FESEM. Results show that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were dispersed uniformly in the matrix, the interfaces of the CNTs and the Al matrix bonded well, no reaction product of Al-C was generated during the fabrication of the composite. The fracture surfaces of the composite involved in a mass of tear-ridge and shallow dimple morphologies, as well as the bridging and pulling out/breakage of CNTs. The hardness, the Young's modulus and the tensile strength of the composite were enhanced markedly in relation to those of the matrix materials under the same process, respectively, meanwhile, the elongation of the composite was not decreased. It is concluded that the addition of CNT into the Al matrix composite can obviously improve its properties.