Processing and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Metal matrix composites, as the name implies, are composed of high strength and modulus components placed in a highly ductile and tough metal matrix. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced titanium metal matrix composites offer the prospective to replace unreinforced titanium alloys for various applications. The main challenge for electrochemical techniques is also the dispersion of CNTs in the metal matrix. A critical current density is desired for an optimum CNT content, high deposition rate, smoothness, and uniformity of the metal matrix (MM)-CNT deposited coating and thin films. Increase in the pulse frequency and reverse ratio has also been reported to increase CNT content and smoothness of deposition, but more research is needed for the concluding evidence. Conventional processing techniques for MM-CNT composites synthesis have been applied with partial success. CNTs as fibrous reinforcements are used to increase the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the composite.