Influence of additives of carbon nanotubes and oxide nanofibers on mechanical properties of aluminum composite

Composite material with aluminum matrix reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNT) and oxide nanofibers (NF) was made by powder metallurgy method. Powder mixtures were made by low energy milling on drum ball mill. Composite samples were manufactured by spark plasma sintering system. Microstructure analysis showed agglomeration of CNT and NF in composite materials. Correlation between flexural strength and unit mass of composites was revealed. Nevertheless, the use of low energy milling allows minimizing the damage of carbon nanotubes and oxide nanofibers during the preparation of mixtures. From this point of view it is suitable for making composites with high elastic modulus. It was shown that addition of 5-12%wt of CNT can increase flexural modulus by 30-189%. Also was shown that addition of 5%wt of oxide nanofibers increase flexural modulus by 78%.