Carbon nanotube toughened aluminium oxide nanocomposite

This paper describes the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced Al2O3 nanocomposites fabricated by hot-pressing. The results showed that compared with monolithic Al2O3 the fracture toughness, hardness and flexural strength of the nanocomposites were improved by 94%, 13% and 6.4% respectively, at 4 vol.% CNT additions. For 10 vol.% CNT additions, with the exception of the fracture toughness, which was improved by 66%, a decrease in mechanical properties was observed when compared with those for monolithic Al2O3. The toughening mechanism is discussed, which is due to the uniform dispersion of CNTs within the matrix, adequate densification, and proper CNT/matrix interfacial connections.