Novel Enhancement Opportunities in the Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of α-Al-CNTs+AgNPs Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study, effort was made to develop novel, cutting-edge composite materials consisting of conducting Al-CNTs and green synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Spark plasma sintering (SPS) and very intense ball milling were used to develop the composites. The nanocomposites' microstructure, thermal and electrical conductivity were determined. Al-4%CNTs was refined into finer grains when AgNPs are present. The Al-4%CNTs+2%Ag.NPs composite produces a higher dislocation density because of the production of sub-grain. Al-AgNPs + CNTs can be used to make conductors with a high aspect ratio and lower contact resistance at the CNT junctions. It was established that enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity can be obtained using the developed AgNPs from sustainable materials to increase the dispersion of CNTs in Al for the production of high tensile conductors.