Ceramic Matrix Composites Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes: Spark Plasma Sintering, Modeling, Optimization

Abstract

The method of spark plasma sintering is used to obtain an α-Al₂O₃-based nanocomposite reinforced with many-walled carbon nanotubes in amounts up to 50 vol.%. A mathematical model is constructed to describe the change in porosity during the sintering operation. The model accounts for the physico-chemical essence of the processes which take place during spark plasma sintering. Results obtained from experimental studies and mathematical modeling are used to determine the optimum sintering regime, which makes it possible to obtain a composite that has zero porosity and a carbon-nanotube content up to 50 vol.%.