Fabrication and Microstructural Analysis of CNTs Reinforced Copper Matrix Nanocomposites via MIM Technique

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced copper (Cu) mat
rix nanocomposites prepared via
advanced fabrication method is presented. Functiona
lization and ultrasonication processes have
been applied to enhance the dispersion of purified
CNTs and creates sidewalls groups that have the
potential to bond CNTs to the metal matrix. The mai
n part of this approach was metal injection
molding (MIM) technique, which is a combination of
powder metallurgy and plastic injection
molding technique. Preparation of MIM feedstock req
uired a melting and mixing process of binder
system (polymers) with the solid loading, which has
been carried out using a twin screw rotor
machine. This machine provides a viscous media of t
he molten binder with high shear forces that
allow the additives (carbon nanotubes/copper powder
) to be mixed properly and exfoliate the CNTs
clusters with uniformdispersion inside the Cu matri
x. Subsequently, to prove our expected results,
observation tests of TEM, SEM, FESEM and CNTS were
employed and discussed literally.