Investigation on influence of anionic surfactant for homogenisation of mwcnt in aluminium 6065 matrix

Abstract

In the proposed work, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is used as a surfactant for carbon nanotubes, to fabricate multi walled carbon nanotube-aluminium metal matrix composites (MMCs). This paper presents the comparison study of SDS coated and non-coated multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) mixed with Al6065 by stir casting technique. The presence of low molecular weight surfactant treated with MWCNT was investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. About 1 wt. % of MWCNT is used as a filler metal in Aluminium and the dispersion characteristics of SDS coated and non-coated Carbon Nanotubes in the composite is examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The comparison study of SEM analysis showed thatthe MWCNT coated with SDS has good dispersion stability and considerable reduction in agglomeration to obtain agglomeration free composites. The mechanical properties and wear characteristics of the MWCNT-Aluminium matrix were studied as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The results of SDS coated MWCNT exhibits exceptional properties with increase in the tensile strength, compressive strength, hardness, and wear characteristics of the reinforced metal matrix.