Surface modification of multiwall carbon nanotubes for metal matrix nan composite applications

Abstract EN

MWCNTs first functionalized by using two steps covalent functionalization process.

Functionalized MWCNTs coated with copper by using electroless coating process.

Three different groups of Cu/MWCNTs nanocomposites with (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 wt% MWCNTs) were prepared by means of powder technology.

The first group contains multiwalled carbon nanotubes as received (Cu/MWCNTs), second group contains functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Cu/FMWCNTs) while the third group contains coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Cu/CMWCNTs).

Comparison between these samples show that the coating of MWCNTs was remarkably improve hardness and wear resistance of copper nanocomposite.

The improvement in mechanical properties is due to the enhancement in both adhesion with matrix and dispersion ability of MWCNTs.

SEM, XRD, FTIR were used to characterize of coating process and Cu/MWCNTs nanocomposites.