The effects of interfacial bonding on mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced copper matrix nanocomposites

The effects of interfacial bonding on mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced copper matrix nanocomposites were investigated. The nanocomposites were fabricated by means of a powder metallurgy process, which consists of mixing carbon nanotubes with matrix powder followed by hot-pressing. The mixing process was carried out by ultrasonicating the nanotubes and copper powder in ethanol. The interfacial strength between the nanotubes and the copper matrix was improved by coating the nanotubes with nickel. The displacement rate of the nanotube reinforced nanocomposites was found to increase at 200 °C, whereas that of the nickel-coated nanotube reinforced nanocomposites significantly decreased. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes and nickel-coated carbon nanotubes in the copper matrix composites improved tribological properties compared with those of pure copper specimens.