Mechanical properties and microstructure of nanocrystalline nickel-carbon nanotube composites produced by electrodeposition

Nanocrystalline nickel-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites can be synthesized by electrodeposition. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the CNTs are distributed homogeneously in the nanocrystalline nickel matrix. The mechanical properties and wear resistance of the composites are evaluated and compared to those of pure nanocrystalline nickel. The strength, hardness and wear resistance of the nanocrystalline nickel-CNT composites increases substantially compared to those of the pure nanocrystalline nickel.