Description
This thesis involves powder processing of dual matrix composites as a unique brand of materials with unique properties. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the basis of its significant strength have gained a lot of attention in the materials science world. CNT have been used as reinforcements in metals and ceramics thereby enhancing the properties of the composite. Of all the metals a lot of work has been done on CNT-Al composite. However the dual matrix approach has never been used to this system. In this thesis a novel technique called "Spark Plasma Extrusion" have been applied to fabricate the CNT-Al dual matrix composite. Most of the powder metallurgy methods have been used to fabricate the dual matrix composite in this thesis. Thermal stability studies have been done on the dispersed CNT powder composite. Characterization of the composite powder has been done with regards to the morphology, particle size analysis and crystal size measurements. The Spark Plasma Extrusion technique has been successful in generating the CNT-Al dual matrix composite thereby leaving a myriad of scope for further research in this composite with respect to the effect of particle size and volume fraction of the powder used.
