Enhancing physical properties of aluminum 6061 by electrodeposition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The development of a new generation of material has been of great interest in the ever-demanding industrial applications. This new generation of materials is required to be lighter, economical, and machinable with increased mechanical, electrical, thermal, and tribological properties. This work proposes the use of Nanotechnology as a development tool to overcome these demands. This work proposed the use of carbon nanotubes as the medium to enhance the electrical and thermal properties of the aluminum by the deposition of a nano coating of carbon nanotubes over the surface of the aluminum by an electrochemical process that modify the surface of the aluminum creating a thin film that enhances its physical properties. The samples produced by electrodeposition show an increment in electrical, thermal, and tribological properties. This results produced a new generation of nano-enhanced commercial aluminum that could be used for electrical applications. Finally, these results guide the first steps towards a scale-up EDP for industrial applications.