Development and Characterisation of Aluminium Alloy Composites Reinforced With Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube by Powder Metallurgy Route

Light weight materials coupled to the need for cost-effective processing have combined to create a significant opportunity for aluminium powder metallurgy as its increasing interest. Aluminium alloy (AA 2219) metal matrix composite reinforced with multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) produced by powder metallurgy (P/M) technique was analysed and CNTs dispersion were traced. The micro hardness and the electrical resistivity of the composites were measured from room temperature. The reasons for decrease in electrical resistivity at room temperature with increasing volume fraction of the carbon nanotubes were investigated These composites are being projected for use in structural applications for their high specific strength as well as functional materials for their exciting thermal and electrical characteristics. The good dispersion of CNTs in the matrix as well as the processing problems and processing time are the major challenges inhibiting the development of these composites.