Microstructural and mechanical characterization of Al/CNT-SiCW hybrid nano-composite prepared by hot pressing

The aim of current research was to examine the microstructure and mechanical properties of Aluminium matrix hybrid nano-composite reinforced with carbon nanotube (CNT) and silicon carbide whisker (SiCW) prepared by hot pressing. Hybrid nano-composites were fabricated with different amount of CNT and SiCW (0-5 weight percent) in equal proportion. In order to distribute the reinforcements, Al powder and the reinforcements were mixed in a planetary ball mill with a speed of 120 rpm for one hour, and then compressed samples were produced under the pressure of 500 MPa at 550ºC for 45 minutes. Followed by composite fabrication, Vickers microhardness and compressive strength test were performed and microstructural observations were undertaken using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that by increasing the amount of reinforcements up to 1 percent, mechanical properties of nano-composites increase; while, by increasing the amount of reinforcements from 1 to 5 percent, mechanical properties of nano-composites decrease due to the agglomeration of CNTs and non-uniform dispersion of SiCW.