Fabrication and characterization of closed-cell aluminum foams with different contents of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract Closed-cell aluminum foams with different contents of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated by using modified melt foaming method. In order to effectively disperse MWCNTs, orthogonal tests were utilized to determine the optimal ball-milling parameters. The existence forms of MWCNTs in aluminum foams and the compressive properties of the foams were investigated. Considered from the dispersion degree and structural changes of MWCNTs, the optimal parameters were obtained, the parameters mainly referred to weight ratio of MWCNTs to aluminum powder, weight ratio of ball to powder, milling rate and milling time, respectively. The results showed that MWCNTs mainly existed in three forms: totally embedded in cell wall, partly embedded in cell wall and totally exposed on cell wall surface, respectively. The reasons were mainly due to the existence of defects and amorphous carbon on the surface of MWCNTs, which promoted the wettability between the aluminum matrix and MWCNTs. In addition, with the MWCNT content increasing, the yield strength, structural stiffness and energy absorption capacity of the foams increased first and then decreased. Meanwhile, under the present conditions the foams with MWCNT content of 0.5% possessed the optimal comprehensive mechanical properties and the reasons were discussed.