Mechanical and Optical Properties of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced ZA27-Al2O3 Hybrid Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy Routine

In this study, Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were used as a reinforcement element in the hybrid composites of ZA27-Al2O3 produced by powder metallurgy routine. In the samples, the MWCNT were chosen as 1, 3, and 5 % respectively. By using planetary ball milling, the samples were produced in 4 hours with 10-diameter steel balls, and then the powders were pressed with a 20-ton capacity manual press machine after sintering at 400 °C. The microstructures of the composites were examined by optical microscope and their densities were measured with the principle of Archimedes. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were examined by applying the Vickers hardness test. The result indicates that the addition of MWCNT leads to increase in hardness values. The maximum hardness scale value is observed in the sample of ZA27-Al2O3-5% MWCNT.