Preparation and Properties of CNTs-Al₂O₃ Porous Ceramic Composites

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes-alumina (CNTs-Al2O3) porous composite with high porosity and excellent compressive strength was prepared by ice-template technique. Effects of different CNT concentrations on microstructure and properties of the composite were investigated intensively by SEM, XRD and Raman. The results show that the bulk density, porosity and compressive strength of the composite will change with the increase of CNT content. Adding appropriate amount of CNTs will be able to increase the density of ceramic lamellae and enhance the compressive strength of the composite. However, excessive CNTs adversely will decrease the density and compressive strength of material due to the micro pores caused by CNT agglomerations anchored on the internal wall of porous ceramic. The composite reaches a maximum compressive strength of 4.52MPa when additive amount of CNTs at 2.0%(mass fraction), which increases by 66% comparing to pure Al2O3 porous ceramic.

Keywords

• ice-template
• porous ceramic
• CNTs
• Al₂O₃