J. Hwang, R. Banerjee, A. Neira, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
<>Composites based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in a nickel matrix have been processed using the laser-engineered net shape (LENS) processing technique. The advantage of using LENS is that that while using a powder feedstock, the composites are processed via a liquid metal route involving rapid solidification. However, there exists a rather limited understanding of the interactions between liquid metal and nanotubes since most of the currently used processing technologies for nanotube based composites are not based on melt processing. The present study focuses on the survivability of nanotubes during melt processing using LENS in a liquid nickel matrix. Furthermore, the stability of MWCNT versus graphite powders in liquid nickel have been compared by processing both types of composites under identical conditions. These composites have been characterized in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and, micro-Raman spectroscopy in order to determined the state of the nanotubes post processing. The microhardness and the wear resistance of the MWCNT reinforced composites have also been studied and these results will also be presented.
Summary: Composites based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in a nickel matrix have been processed using the laser-engineered net shape (LENS) processing technique.These composites have been characterized in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and, micro-Raman spectroscopy.
