Microstructural evolution and performance analysis of MWCNT and Gr reinforced aluminium matrix composites

Abstract The present research focuses on enhancing the thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of MWCNT/Al as a potential solution to the critical heat dissipation issue in contemporary electronic systems, thereby providing an effective and sustainable platform for new electronic devices and applications. MWCNT/Al composites at different ratios were made using compression moulding and tested in terms of their thermal, mechanical, and tribological characteristics. The results indicate that the addition of MWCNTs significantly enhances hardness by as much as 30% and tensile strength by around 25%. Tribological experiments indicated that the 0.1% MWCNTs and 0.1% graphite composite wore 77% less than the 0.2% composite at higher sliding rates. Also, when the load was increased, the 0.2% MWCNTs mixed with 0.1% graphite showed a 40% decrease in wear. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the addition of MWCNTs to the Al-based composites did not result in significant changes in their electrochemical characteristics, indicating that their corrosion resistance remained unchanged, even with mechanical reinforcement, and was comparable to that of pure aluminium. The research emphasises the possible use of MWCNTs as strengthening agents in Al matrices, offering a perspective on developing high-performance nanocomposites that can enhance thermal management in modern electronic devices.