Structural characterization and hardness of carbon nanotube/alumina composites prepared by tri-sec-butoxide

Abstract

The so-gel approach was used in the production of an alumina matrix composite that had carbon nanotube reinforcement. On alumina powders, the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of varying concentrations—1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% weight were investigated. The findings indicate that reinforcing the material with CNTs at a weight of 1% was responsible for the improvement in wear resistance and hardness. The addition of carbon nanotubes to an alumina matrix composite led to an improvement in the material's hardness. This was caused by an enhanced load distribution brought about by the nanotubes' uniform distribution. A homogenous distribution of CNTs inside the Al₂O₃ matrix and a robust interfacial contact between CNTs and Al₂O₃ are necessary conditions for the fabrication of composites with better wear characteristics.