Synthesis of multi-walled CNT reinforced aluminium alloy composite via friction stir processing

Friction stir processing is used to produce an aluminium alloy reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Microscopy by SEM and TEM indicates that the nanotubes are embedded into Al-alloy matrix produced in the stir zone, and their multi-walled microstructure survived the thermo-mechanical conditions imposed during processing. Increasing the tool rotation speed from 1500 and 2500 rpm and increasing the tool shoulder penetration depth improved homogeneity of nanotubes in the Al-alloy matrix, however a fully uniform distribution could not be achieved when regularly tangled nanotubes were used.