Microstructure and thermal stability of carbon nanotubes dispersed alumina nanocomposites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Abstract

The influence of relative density on the thermal stability of CNTs-dispersed Al2O3 nanocomposites has been investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA revealed that the onset temperature for weight loss increased with an increasing sintering temperature and CNT content. By taking account of the XRD and SEM results, it is suggested that the weight loss is caused by a decomposition of CNTs phase by oxidative atmosphere. The difference in thermal stability was explained by the porosity effect on the oxidation and decomposition behavior of CNTs, because the open pores promote the chemical reaction and gas flow of reactants.