EFFECT OF CARBON NANOTUBE IN ALUMINIUM METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Metal matrix composites have gained importance and considered as future engineering materials. These composite materials are used in various fields such as automotive, aerospace, civil and other structural fields. Composite materials possess higher specific strength, lower density, better physical and mechanical properties compared to the base materials. Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have gained increasing commercial applications over the years. The property of metal matrix composite materials mainly depends on the percentage weight of reinforced material in the base material and the process of developing such composite materials. This work is focused on, Carbon Nanotube (CNT) fibres reinforcement in Aluminium 6061 matrix by a stir casting process to develop composite materials. Experimental test specimens were fabricated for the study of microstructure and mechanical property on Carbon Nanotube-Aluminium 6061 metal matrix composite. The specimens were fabricated with 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% by weight of CNT in the aluminium 6061 base metal. It is noted that on increasing percent weight of Carbon Nanotube in the aluminium metal matrix resists the compressive load up to 278 kN for 360mm(2) specimens. Experimental results for wear rate show a decrease in wear loss for increasing CNT and higher hardness of 181 VHN for 6% by weight of CNT.