High volume fraction and uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes in aluminium powders

Authors

Zhiqiang Li, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Lin Jiang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Genlian Fan, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Yong Xu, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Di Zhang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, ShanghaiFollow
Zhixin Chen, University of WollongongFollow
S R. Humphries, University of Technology, Sydney

RIS ID

35575

Publication Details

Li, Z., Jiang, L., Fan, G., Xu, Y., Zhang, D., Chen, Z. Humphries, S. (2010). High volume fraction and uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes in aluminium powders. Micro and Nano Letters, 5 (6), 379-381.

Abstract

A slurry-based powder process was developed to disperse a high volume fraction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in aluminium (Al) powders. In this process, Al nanoflake powders with a high surface area were used and the powder surface was modified by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrosol before being mixed with CNTs aqueous dispersion. The PVA modification resulted in the formation of a hydrophilic membrane on the Al surface, which enhanced the water wettability and makes the surface property of the Al powder more compatible with that of the CNTs. Furthermore, the PVA membrane forms relatively strong bonds with the CNTs and prevent them from agglomeration during subsequent processing. Consequently, a high volume fraction and uniform dispersion of up to 10 vol CNTs was achieved in the Al nanoflake powders.