A novel aluminum-carbon nanotubes nanocomposite with doubled strength and preserved electrical conductivity

Enhancing the mechanical strength of highly conductive pure metals usually causes significant reduction in their electrical conductivity. For example, introducing phase/matrix interfaces or more grain boundaries, are common and effective methods to strengthen metals. But it simultaneously increases electron scattering at interface, thus reducing In this study, we demonstrate that aluminum (Al)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites prepared by friction stir processing have successfully broken through these limitations. The yield tensile Al/CNTs improved 104.7% 51.8% compared Al, while conductivity remained comparable Al. To explore potential mechanisms, interface between CNTs Al was examined characterized transmission microscopy (TEM) Raman spectroscopy. Little interfacial reaction compounds were present no visible physical gaps observed interfaces. We defined as a clean tightly bonded interface. Although quantity phase has increased, nanocomposite remains approximately unchanged. attribute preserved CNTs/Al nanocomposite.