Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-3 Vol% CNT Nanocomposites Processed by High-Pressure Torsion

Al-3 vol% CNT nanocomposites were processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature under the pressure in the range of 2.5-10 GPa for up to 10 turns. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the microstructural evolutions upon HPT. Mechanical properties of the HPT-processed disks were studied using tensile tests and microhardness measurements. The results show gradual evolutions in the density, microstructure, and hardness with increasing the number of turns and applied presure. Nanostructured and elongated Al grains with an average grain thickness of ~40 nm perpendicular to the compression axis of HPT and an aspect ratio of ~3 are formed after 10 turns under 6 GPa. Evaluating the mechanical properties of the 10-turn processed Al/CNT nanocomposites indicates a tensile strength of 321 MPa and a hardness of 122 Hv. The tensile fracture surface of the Al/CNT nanocomposite mostly demonstrates a smooth fracture manner with fine dimples resulting in a low tensile ductility of ~1.5%.