Fabrication of carbon nanotube reinforced alumina matrix nanocomposite by sol–gel process

Carbon nanotube reinforced alumina matrix nanocomposite was fabricated by sol–gel process and followed by spark plasma sintering process. Homogeneous distribution of carbon nanotubes within alumina matrix can be obtained by mixing the carbon nanotubes with alumina sol and followed by condensation into gel. The mixed gel, consisting of alumina and carbon nanotubes, was dried and calcinated into carbon nanotube/alumina composite powders. The composite powders were spark plasma sintered into carbon nanotube reinforced alumina matrix nanocomposite. The hardness of carbon nanotube reinforced alumina matrix nanocomposite was enhanced due to an enhanced load sharing of homogeneously distributed carbon nanotubes. At the same time, the fracture toughness of carbon nanotube reinforced alumina matrix nanocomposite was enhanced due to a bridging effect of carbon nanotubes during crack propagation.