The response of double press double sintered (DPDS) Al/CNT nanocomposites against wear, impact, and bending

Aluminum/carbon nanotubes (Al/CNTs) nanocomposites are intriguing prospects for mechanical and tribology applications. In this study, the double-pressing double-sintering (DPDS) method was used to create Al-based nanocomposites reinforced with CNTs. Al/CNT nanocomposites’ wear behavior, as well as their impact and bending strengths, were examined in relation to CNT content (1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weight percent) and diameter (8, 20 and 40 nm). The wear behavior of Al/CNT nanocomposites was improved upon increasing the content from 0 to 8 wt.% and diameter sizes of CNTs compared with neat Al. This behavior is attributed to the self-lubricating behavior, clustering, and agglomeration of CNTs. The impact and bending strengths of the Al-8 wt.% CNTs with a diameter size of 40 nm increased by about 112%(17j) and 117%(265 MPa) compared with the neat Al sample, respectively. Impact resistance and bending strength were enhanced with increasing diameter of CNTs. The impact and bending strengths of these nanocomposites were impacted by CNT aggregation and the poor bonding strength of the Al/CNT interfaces (formation of Al 4 C 3 ). SEM and TEM were used to analyze the worn and fractured surfaces of Al/CNT nanocomposites.