Morphology characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in Sn-58Bi/CNTs composites

Abstract

0.01 mass% of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were ball milled with Sn-58Bi alloy powder and melted at 180°C for 60 s for the preparation of Sn-58Bi/ CNTs composites material. During the melting process, a large portion of carbon nanotubes escaped from the mixture. The morphologies of the carbon nanotube in Sn-58Bi/ CNTs composites were investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) which equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results showed that CNTs existed in the as-cast composite and the composite after remolten. The bonding between CNTs and the matrix was formed. The CNTs distributed well in the metal matrix and improved the element distribution for more uniform microstructure. The bonding mechanism of the Sn-58Bi alloy with CNTs was discussed. © 2013 The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials.