Consolidation of CNT-reinforced AA4032 nanocomposites by ECAP

The present work emphasizes on the synthesis of CNT-reinforced nanocrystalline AA4032 alloy powders and their consolidation by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). Nanocrystalline AA4032 alloy reinforced with 2 wt% CNTs was produced by high-energy ball milling. The XRD analysis and TEM observation revealed the formation of nanocrystalline AA4032 alloy and uniform distribution of CNTs in the nanocrystalline matrix. The nanocomposite powders were canned in commercially pure aluminum sheath and subjected to ECAP for consolidation. More than 98% of density was achieved after four passes in route BA at the center of the can. The hardness obtained is around 218 HV5.0 after four passes in the core of alloy with 2 wt% of CNTs. Increase in hardness was significant even with minimum addition of CNTs. © 2011 World Scientific Publishing Company.