Effect of single wall carbon nanotubes on strength properties of aluminum composite produced by spark plasma sintering and extrusion

Aluminum composite material reinforced by single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) was made by spark plasma sintering (SPS) followed by extrusion directly on spark plasma sintering machine. For the first time it was possible to carry out not only sintering by SPS method, but also extrusion of aluminum-based composites with SWCNT additives directly on the Labox 1575. The effect of the degree of cold deformation and annealing on the strength of aluminum containing SWCNT is studied. It was found that there is an optimal degree of cold deformation, providing maximum growth of strength of aluminum composites reinforced by SWCNT. It was shown that composites extruded at elevated temperature had more significant strength decrease after annealing. Nevertheless, these composites have the highest strength values. The increase in ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of aluminum due to SWCNT additives was 47% and 158%, respectively.