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Advanced Metal and Alloy Composites

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Advanced Metal and Alloy Composites

Continuous Extrusion of Aluminum-Carbon Nanotube Composites

We have developed a continuous, scalable extrusion method to fabricate Aluminum-carbon nanotube (Al-CNT) composite wire, busbars, rods, and tubes. The addition of CNT increases the tensile strength, the heat- and creep-resistance compared to pure Aluminum and Aluminum alloys, while maintaining conductivity of about 60% IACS. Potential applications are electrical wires and components.

Highlights
  • Continuous and manufacturable Al-CNT extrusion process demonstrated
  • Al-CNT wires, busbars, tubes, and rods have been demonstrated
  • An all Al-CNT electric connection eliminates galvanic corrosion and thermal expansion mismatch
  • Busbar patent applied for
Benefits of Al-CNT Composites
  • Tensile strength increased compared to Aluminum
  • Creep and heat resistance improved compared to pure Aluminum and Aluminum alloys
  • Aluminum conductivity of ~60% IACS

Continuous Extrusion of Aluminum-Carbon Nanotube Composites

We have developed a continuous, scalable extrusion method to fabricate Aluminum-carbon nanotube (Al-CNT) composite wire, busbars, rods, and tubes. The addition of CNT increases the tensile strength, the heat- and creep-resistance compared to pure Aluminum and Aluminum alloys, while maintaining conductivity of about 60% IACS. Potential applications are electrical wires and components.

Highlights
  • Continuous and manufacturable Al-CNT extrusion process demonstrated
  • Al-CNT wires, busbars, tubes, and rods have been demonstrated
  • An all Al-CNT electric connection eliminates galvanic corrosion and thermal expansion mismatch
  • Busbar patent applied for
Benefits of Al-CNT Composites
  • Tensile strength increased compared to Aluminum
  • Creep and heat resistance improved compared to pure Aluminum and Aluminum alloys
  • Aluminum conductivity of ~60% IACS