Fundamentals of Strengthening Mechanisms in Carbon nanotube (CNT)- Graphene Nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforced Metal Matrix Composites for Aerospace Structural Applications
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are attractive reinforcements for fabricating lightweight, high strength, and high performance metal matrix composites. CNT-GNP metalnanocomposites have potentially attractive properties, such as high tensile strength, stiffness, excellent wear and corrosion resistance which make them potential candidates for high performance aerospace structural applications. However, CNT-GNP metal nanocomposites have attracted less attention and their practical applications still remain in the early stages due to several limitations such as poor inhomogeneous dispersion of the CNTs-GNPs, poor quality of CNT-GNP metal interface, and lack of understanding of strengthening mechanisms in CNT-GNP metal composites. Proper understanding of strengthening mechanisms can lead to design composites by utilizing the full potential of CNTs-GNPs for required structural engineering application. The proposed research will integrate systematic processing and characterization of CNT-GNP metal matrix composites to achieve the following objectives: (i) Investigate the effect of premixing techniques on the dispersion as well as on structural integrity of CNTs-GNPs into nickel matrix composites processed via spark plasma sintering (SPS) process, (ii) Study the interfacial reaction between CNT-GNP and nickel matrix and its effect on the strengthening mechanism (especially load transfer strengthening), and (iii) Explore the strengthening mechanisms in CNT-GNP reinforced nickel matrix composites and develop new micromechanical models for accurately predicting mechanical properties of these composites. The proposed research is aimed at significantly enhancing our understanding of the strengthening mechanisms in CNT-GNP metal matrix composites, with broad impact on materials characterization, modeling, and applications in the development of new hybrid materials for potential aerospace structural applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910325
Entities
People
- Tushar Borkar
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Cleveland State University
- United States Air Force