Effect of Carbon Nanotube Content and Mechanical Milling Conditions on the Manufacture of AA7075/MWCNT Composites

Aluminium matrix composites (AlMCs) of AA7075 aluminium alloy reinforced with 0.5 and 1 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated powder metallurgy techniques using three different mechanical milling strategies, varying the energy stage in which reinforcements added to pre-alloyed powders. In this paper, we focus on influence these parameters dispersion MWCNTs. Characterization obtained composite powders by X-ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy showed that evolution particle size morphology is influenced conditions MWCNT content; however, under tested study, there no significant differences crystallite lattice strain. The best distribution was after 7075 MWCNTs a high-energy cycle (HEBM), rotation speed between 1200 1300 rpm. Raman spectroscopy used assess damage induced process nanotubes, reaction products detected any conditions. Nanoindentation tests performed measure elastic modulus hardness powders, revealing behaviour achieved 7075-0.5 HEBM route.