No.8（2005）7.Copper-Based Sintered Composite Added with Carbon Nanotubes

Shohan YANAGI, Junichi ASAMI, Takemi SUZUKI, Minoru YAMAZAKI

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and fine copper powders were mixed in a variety of ratios using different processes including intensive dry ball milling and wet agitating. Different mixing processes generated mixed powders with different particulate sizes and shapes. We examined the effects of the primary powder-mixing processes and mixing ratios on the properties of the sintered CNT/Cu matrix composites. Adding CNT(0.1-0.5wt％) into Cu enhanced the mechanical strength and decreased the friction coefficients of the composites, which are preferable for use as the materials for self-lubricating bearings. Additionally, the obtained composite was also used as an electrode in electrical discharge machining for evaluating the electrode wear, and the results demonstrated that CNT could decrease the electrode wear. High-energy ball milling of the powder mixtures favorably affects the properties of CNT/Cu matrix composites, as a result of homogeneous dispersion of CNT in Cu Matrix. However, further milling brought about negative effects due to severe CNT structural damage.

Keywords

Carbon nanotubes, Copper, Mixture , Composite, Dispersion

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