2018 Volume 59 Issue 11 Pages 1798-1804
In order to improve the strength of 5083 Al alloy used in a wide range of industries, incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into 5083 Al alloy by the use of friction stir processing (FSP) was investigated. The MWCNT-reinforced Al alloy composites via FSP were successfully fabricated. The composites have no voids and other defects with the optimized conditions of FSP. The grain refining and uniform distribution of MWCNTs were achieved because the composite powder comprised of MWCNTs and 5083 Al alloy via ball milling was used as a reinforcement. Nanoparticles of MWCNTs and submicron particles were observed in the composite. The proof stresses of the composites increased by ranging from 53 to 61 percent compared with that of the base material and the tensile strengths increased by ranging from 13 to 16 percent.
