Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Ben Rael

Publication Date

6-9-2016

Abstract

Since their discovery in 1991, CNTs have revolutionized the composites industries and continue to show great promise as exotic reinforcers in a variety of materials. Extensive studies have been carried out by researchers to impart the unique physical properties of CNTs in metal systems and understand their interfacial interactions. However, the thermal, electrical and mechanical advantages of CNTs in metal systems are limited because of their tendency to aggregate together in rope-like bundles. The objective of this research is two-fold: 1) optimize carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersal mechanisms in the fabrication of aluminum carbon nanotube metal-matrix composites (Al-CNT/MMCs) via the powder metallurgy method (PM), 2) characterize the effects of CNT morphology on the physical properties of Al-CNT/MMCs.

Keywords

Carbon nanotube metal-matrix composites, powder metallurgy, carbon nanotube dispersion, mechanical properties, and thermal properties.

Degree Name

Mechanical Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Mechanical Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Shen, Yu-Lin

Second Committee Member

Jiang, Ying-Bing

Third Committee Member

Balakrishnan, Ganesh

Fourth Committee Member

Khraishi, Tariq

Sponsors

National Science Foundation, University of New Mexico School of Engineering, New Mexico State Legislature

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

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