Modeling of AL-CNT powder particles deformation during mechanical milling

In this paper Al-CNT powder mixtures with 2 and 5% CNT weight percent were synthesized by mechanical alloying. Particle size distribution was measured by laser particle size analyzer. Effect of milling time and carbon nanotube content was characterized on particle size. X-ray diffraction analysis was conducted for different samples and powder crystalline size was measured. A model was applied for evaluating powder particles strain and stress during mechanical alloying. Powder particles work hardening was calculated by stress-strain curve. In addition a model was used for calculating ball mill efficiency. Powder particle size analyzes showed that by increasing milling time and CNT content a decreased powder particle was obtained. The results of strain and stress curves showed that by increasing milling time and CNT content powder strain and stress increased. Work hardening results showed that increasing milling time result in decreased work hardening. The results showed that the maximum mill efficiency reached to 70% for Al-CNT (%5) and by increasing milling time the efficiency of mill increased. XRD results showed that by increasing milling time and CNT content، decreased crystalline size was obtained.