Introduction of nanocarbons, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, to metal matrices, may enhance the electrical and thermal transport, mechanical properties and some other properties of the composite materials. However, uniform distribution of the nanocarbon phase in the matrix material and manufacturing the composites in large scale can be challenging using traditional mixing methods. In this study, a facile method to fabricate metal-nanocarbon composites was developed. Firstly, copper (Cu)-polydopamine (PDA) composite was fabricated by coating Cu powders with the bioinspired PDA polymer, which was then converted to a graphite-like structure during the subsequent sintering. In terms of the properties, compared to the pure Cu sample, the Cu-PDA composite showed increased electrical and thermal conductivity, higher microindentation hardness, and enhanced wear resistance. These findings suggest the inclusion of nanocarbon phase converted from PDA can simultaneously improve the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of sintered Cu materials. Effect of sintering temperature and coating time (carbon content) on the microstructure and properties of the composites were discussed. Secondly, aluminum (Al)-copper nanoparticles (CuNP)-PDA composite was fabricated with a new method, to improve the sintering behavior of Al for serving as feedstock materials of additive manufacturing (AM). CuNPs were synthesized by directly reducing Cu ions in the aqueous solution. With the assistance of the PDA coating, the CuNPs can be better attached to the Al powder surfaces. The composite samples showed better sintering behavior by exhibiting higher electrical conductivities and mechanical properties, which may be due to local nanosized alloying phases generation after sintering. These findings illustrated that the composite powders could be a good candidate feedstock material for AM. The structural characterizations of the metal nanocarbon powders and the composites were performed with SEM, TEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. With the help of these techniques, the formation of the targeted structures in the composite was studied, including graphite-like structures of cPDA and nano alloying phases in Al-CuNP-PDA composites. Apart from the composite materials fabrication, a novel and facile manufacturing method based on metal powders was also developed. In this study, a new type of Cu- binder paste was formed, which not only can be utilized with direct ink/paste printing but also can be casted into a soft silicone rubber mold. Three-dimensional (3D) metal parts can then be subsequently obtained after sintering. Comparing to other additive manufacturing methods that involve high energy laser or electron beams, this new approach does not require expensive facilities, and it is less time-consuming. Moreover, the silicone rubber molds can be easily removed and reused. In summary, the composite powders fabricated in this study can be utilized as feedstock materials for additive manufacturing of metals and alloys. The new soft-mold casting could be used as an alternative method to manufacture 3D metal components. Therefore, the materials and the processing methods developed in the current study could have broad applications in various metal industries.

From the Foreword, written by legendary nano pioneer M. Meyyappan, Chief Scientist for Exploration Technology NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA: "...there is critical need for a book to summarize the status of the field but more importantly to lay out the principles behind the technology. This is what Professor Arvind Agarwal and his co-workers ... have done here." Carbon Nanotubes: Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites reflects the authors’ desire to share the benefits of nanotechnology with the masses by developing metal matrix carbon nanotube (MM-CNT) composites for large-scale applications. Multiwall carbon nanotubes can now be produced on a large scale and at a significantly reduced cost. The book explores potential applications and applies the author’s own research to highlight critical developmental issues for different MM-CNT composites—and then outline novel solutions. With this problem-solving approach, the book explores: Advantages, limitations, and the evolution of processing techniques used for MM-CNT composites Characterization techniques unique to the study of MM-CNT composites—and the limitations of these methods Existing research on different MM-CNT composites, presented in useful tables that include composition, processing method, quality of CNT dispersion, and properties The micro-mechanical strengthening that results from adding CNT The applicability of micro-mechanics models in MM-CNT composites Significance of chemical stability for carbon nanotubes in the metal matrix as a function of processing, and its impact on CNT/metal interface and mechanical properties Computational studies that have not been sufficiently covered although they are essential to research and development The critical issue of CNT dispersion in the metal matrix, as well as a unique way to quantify CNT distribution and subsequently improve control of the processing parameters for obtaining improved properties Carbon Nanotubes: Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites paints a vivid picture of scientific and application achievements in this field. Exploring the mechanisms through which CNTs are enhancing the properties of different metal-based composites, the authors provide a roadmap to help researchers develop MM-CNT composites and choose potential materials for use in emerging areas of technology.

Nanocarbon and Its Composites: Preparation, Properties and Applications provides a detailed and comprehensive review of all major innovations in the field of nanocarbons and their composites, including preparation, properties and applications. Coverage is broad and quite extensive, encouraging future research in carbon-based materials, which are in high demand due to the need to develop more sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly methods for materials. Chapters are written by eminent scholars and leading experts from around the globe who discuss the properties and applications of carbon-based materials, such as nanotubes (buckytubes), fullerenes, cones, horns, rods, foams, nanodiamonds and carbon black, and much more. Chapters provide cutting-edge, up-to-date research findings on the use of carbon-based materials in different application fields and illustrate how to achieve significant enhancements in physical, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties. - Demonstrates systematic approaches and investigations from design, synthesis, characterization and applications of nanocarbon based composites - Aims to compile information on the various aspects of synthesis, properties and applications of nano-carbon based materials - Presents a useful reference and technical guide for university academics and postgraduate students (Masters and Ph.D.)

This volume demonstrates the unique place in nanotechnology and nanoscience that carbon nanomaterials occupy owing to their exceptional chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Carbon nanomaterials have diverse applications in super strong composite materials, smart sensors, energy storage and conversion, super-capacitors, and more. Focusing on materials rather than mechanics, this volume discusses the key roles of materials science and engineering in the development of composite materials. The result of research by many highly qualified experts in the field of experimental and theoretical research on graphene and its derivatives, the volume describes experimental methods for obtaining and characterizing samples of chemically modified graphene. It reviews the potential application areas and modifications of graphene-based composite materials and interprets the interesting physical effects discovered for the first time for graphene materials under consideration. This book covers the innovative methodologies and strategies adopted in carbon materials research area including: Synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of carbon nanotubes and graphene Surface modification of graphene Carbon-based nanostructured materials The use of carbon nanomaterials for energy applications Development of carbon nanotubes reinforced metal matrix composites and non-metallic composites and their myriad potential end-use applications Key challenges to the successful and widespread implementation of carbon nanotubes reinforced metal matrix composites and non-metallic composites Methods for quantification and improved control of carbon nanotubes distributions Recent research and design trends for carbon nanomaterials-based sensors for a variety of applications Advances and potential applications in environmental monitoring and healthcare The book will be useful for postgraduate students and researchers as well as for experts in industrial sectors. It will also appeal to those involved in materials science and nanotechnology.

Providing a broad insight into the potential applications of carbon nanotubes with metals and ceramic materials as a matrix, this book focuses on the preparation and the microstructural, physical, and mechanical characterizations of such novel nanocomposites. It features information on current synthesis and structure-property-relationships of metals and ceramics reinforced with CNT, organizing the vast array of surveys scattered throughout the literature in a single monograph. With its laboratory protocols and data tables this is invaluable reading for research workers and academics, as well as for applied scientists and industry personnel.

This discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNT) three decades ago ushered in the technological era of nanotechnology. Among the most widely studied areas of CNT research is their use as structural reinforcements in composites. This book describes the development of CNT reinforced metal matrix composites (CNT-MMCs) over the last two decades. The field of CNT-MMCs is abundant in fundamental science, rich in engineering challenges and innovations and ripe for technological maturation and commercialization. The authors have sought to present the current state of the-art in CNT-MMC technology from their synthesis to their myriad potential end-use applications. Specifically, topics explored include: • Advantages, limitations, and evolution of processing techniques used to synthesize and fabricate CNT-MMCs • Emphasizes dispersion techniques of CNTs in metallic systems, a key challenge to the successful and widespread implementation of CNT-MMCs. Methods for quantification and improved control of CNT distributions are presented • Methods for quantification and improved control of CNT distributions are presented • Characterization techniques uniquely suited for charactering these nanoscale materials and their many chemical and physical interactions with the metal matrix, including real-time in-situ characterization of deformation mechanisms • Electron microscope images from premier studies enrich discussions on micro-mechanical modeling, interfacial design, mechanical behavior, and functional properties • A chapter is dedicated to the emergence of dual reinforcement composites that seek to enhance the efficacy of CNTs and lead to material properties by design This book highlights seminal findings in CNT-MMC research and includes several tables listing processing methods, associated CNT states, and resulting properties in order to aid the next generation of researchers in advancing the science and engineering of CNT-MMCs. In addition, a survey of the patent literature is presented in order to shed light on what the first wave of CNT-MMC commercialization may look like and the challenges that will have to be overcome, both technologically and commercially.

Composites and nanocomposites are used in cases where long durability and strength of components are required; i.e., where high stress levels, erosion processes and multiphase environments are present, including the parts under collision and impact, the parts under rotating motion and erosion (like excavation drills in oil and gas wells). The first volume of this book aims to provide a guide for fabrication of new nanocomposites mainly based on carbon nanotubes and graphene. The main topics of this volume are: Application of Nano-powders for Formation of Metal Matrix of Composites, Conjugated Polymer Nanocomposites, Biopolymer Nanocomposites, Dental Nanocomposites, Graphene-based Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Polymer/Filler Composites for Optical Diffuse Reflectors, Synthesis and Applications of LDH-Based Nanocomposites, Rubber—CNT Nanocomposites, Nanocomposite Fibers with Carbon Nanotubes, Fabrications of Graphene Based Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Sensing of Drug Molecules, Recent Advances in Graphene Metal Oxide Based Nanocomposites.

This volume presents the characterization methods involved with carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube-based composites, with a more detailed look at computational mechanics approaches, namely the finite element method. Special emphasis is placed on studies that consider the extent to which imperfections in the structure of the nanomaterials affect their mechanical properties. These defects may include random distribution of fibers in the composite structure, as well as atom vacancies, perturbation and doping in the structure of individual carbon nanotubes.

Metal-matrix composites (MMCs) are engineered combinations of two or more materials. Tailored properties are achieved by systematic combinations of different constituents. Specialized design and synthesis procedures allow unique sets of material properties in composites. Covetics are a new type of metal-matrix nano-composite (MMnC) material. These materials are formed from FCC metals which are super-saturated with up to ~10 wt. % of activated nano-carbon powder. The idea is that the nano-carbon particles will enhance the material properties of the base metal matrix, however most of the physical and mechanical properties of covetics have not been well characterized. The foci of this study are to optimize the covetic casting synthesis process under controlled conditions, to understand and analyze the microstructures of the synthesized copper and aluminum covetic, to provide a thorough analysis of the chemical composition of the synthesized covetic materials, and to characterize physical and mechanical properties of both of these materials using meticulously prepared samples and test procedures.

Nanocarbon-Inorganic Hybrids is dedicated exclusively to the new family of functional materials, covering a multidisciplinary research field that combines materials science, chemistry and physics with nanotechnology and applied energy science. It provides a concise introduction into fundamental principles of nanocarbons, defines hybrids and composites, explains the physics behind sustainability, and illustrates requirements for successful implementation in energy applications. It further reviews the current research on developing concepts for designing nanocarbon hybrids, unravels mechanistic details of interfacial electron transfer processes and highlights future challenges and perspectives associated with exploiting these exciting new materials in commercial energy applications and beyond. This comprehensively written book is indispensable for Master and PhD students seeking to become familiar with a modern fi eld of knowledge-driven material science as well as for senior researchers and industrial staff scientists who explore the frontiers of knowledge.