Large scale and low cost synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by mechanothermal absence catalysts

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were obtained by mechanothermal activation under argon atmosphere and subsequent annealing. The chemical activity and crystallinity grade of carbon atoms were studied at different milling times and annealing temperatures. The synthesised MWCNTs were characterised by X-ray diffraction, and their morphologies were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Efficiency examination was measured using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) after heat treatment. In addition, the crystal structures were analysed in terms of their bright field images and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The mechanothermal method is of interest for fundamental understanding and for improvement of commercial synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In fact, the mechanothermal method guarantees the production of CNTs for different applications especially reinforcement materials in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs).