Surface Modification Of Carbon Nanotube And Application Of Carbon Nanotube-copper Based Composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have many attractive properties such as the high yang's module, high flexibility, and high aspect ratios, which make them ideal candidates for the reinforcing filler of the composite materials. In addition, the excellent electric conductivity, thermal conductivity, the chemical stability and thermal stability of CNTs are benefit to make the multi-functional composite materials.In present study, we first investigated the synthesis, surface modification and the Ni-coating of the CNTs. CNTs were synthesized in large scale using the Ni catalysts prepared via sol-gel method. The CNTs then were purified by nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. After purified, many functional groups were created on the surface of the clear CNTs. Then, the CNTs were put into Sn and Pd solutions for sensitizing and activating treatment. Therefore, dense activated positions were created on the surface of the CNTs. Subsequently, the homogeneous and continuous Ni layer on the surface of the CNTs were prepared using the electroless plating method. After the thermal treatment, more smooth and dense coating layer can be obtained. In addition, the mechanism of the synthesis, activation, sensitization and the Ni-coating CNTs are discussed. The synthesis of the CNTs and the Ni- coating CNTs provide the experimental and the theoretical understanding for further synthesis of the nivel composited materials in nano-scale.Secondly, we prepared the copper-based CNTs (Cu/ CNTs) composite materials using the hot-pressing and the cold-pressing method. The processing parameters were optimized during the prepared process. The mechanical and electrical properties of the Cu/ CNTs composite were measured. The abrasive mechanism of the composite and the reinforcing mechanism of the CNTs filler in the Cu matrix are also discussed. Experimental results indicate that small quantities of CNTs can be distributed homogenously in the Cu matrix, The wear resistance, hardness and the tensile strength of the Cu/ CNTs composite can be obviously improved due to the filling of the CNTs. The electrical resistivity of Cu/ CNTs composite increased with the addition of in the...