Characterization of an aluminum based metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes(CNTs) and Boron Carbide(B 4 C) processed by mechanical alloying

Abstract

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and boron carbide(B4C), have been successfully employed in the development of a nanocomposite based on an aluminum matrix by mechanical alloying using a Planetary Micro Mill Pulverisette 7. The milling is done for identical weight specimens at different processing times of (15,30 and 60 minutes). The resulting powders are then consolidated by cold pressure. The mechanical properties were studied for the three specimens as a function of alloying time, using Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and Nanoindentation. The results show the effect of the milling time increase on the powders’ mechanical properties.