Abstract
In-situ observation and evaluation on the fracturing behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced powder metallurgy (PM) Al matrix composite materials was carried out by using tensile test equipment installed in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Peeling and fracturing phenomena of MWCNT embedded hi Al matrix were obviously and directly observed hi this study. The peeling formation and resultant effect on tensile strength of the composites were examined. Through transition electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations, it was clarified that defective structures like inter-wall bridges cross-linked adjacent walls of MWCNTs. This structure was helpful to improve the inter-wall bonding conditions, and resulted in the effective load transfer between the walls and resultant peeling behaviors of MWCNTs. CNT/Al composites indicated a large improvement of strength compared to the monolithic pure Al material.
