Effect of CNT Inclusion on the Thermo-Mechanical Behaviour of Cu-Ni-Zn-Sn Nanocomposite

In recent times, there has been an increasing interest in Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs) reinforced metal matrix composites due to their promising properties such as high Young’s modulus and tensile strength. Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs) are known for their extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. These properties make them ideal reinforcements in the metal matrix. Out of all fabrication processes, the powder metallurgy technique was frequently used due to the fewer defects, lesser chance of formation of agglomerations, and the possibility of fabricating composites with nearly net shape in powder metallurgy technique. This research work focuses on developing and analyzing the thermal and mechanical properties of Cu-CNT metal matrix composite. The experimental specimens were fabricated using powder metallurgy in which Copper was ball-milled with Nickel, Zinc, Tin, and Carbon nanotubes of varying compositions were added to the ball-milled copper composites. The resulting powder was compacted using a hydraulic press to form pellets and finally sintered using a Tubular Furnace. Thermal conductivity test and Differential Scanning Calorimetry test were conducted to study the thermal properties of the composites. Mechanical and microstructural studies were conducted on the fabricated components to explore their competency.