W. Haider, N. D. Munroe, S. Amruthaluri, Florida International University, Miami, FL; P. K. S. Gill, Florida International University, miami, FL
Chromium-MWCNT composite is anticipated to find vast applications in the aerospace industry due to their enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. In this investigation Cu-Cr-MWCNT composites were prepared via a powder metallurgical technique by varying the composition of MWCNT in order to determine the optimum composition for the desired electrical and mechanical properties. The microstructure of the composites was examined by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Raman Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Results indicated the formation of varying amounts of chromium carbide on the surface of MWCNTs. SEM analysis revealed an increase in diameter of the CNT’s, due to the formation of carbide on the surface, even though some of the outer walls of the MWCNTs were removed during fabrication. The chemical composition and structural changes during manufacturing of these composites were assessed with the help of Raman spectroscopy.
Summary: The samples were prepared by using powder metallurgical technique with different compositions of MWCNT in order to determine the optimum composition for the desired electrical and mechanical properties. Moreover, microstructural study of Cu-Cr-MWCNT composite was investigated using various characterization techniques.
