Carbon nanotube/2024 aluminum alloy (CNT/Al2024) composites were fabricated with a
combination of mechanical alloying (MA) and powder metallurgy routes. Composites were
microstructurally and mechanically evaluated at sintering condition. A homogeneous dispersion
of CNTs in the Al matrix was observed by a field emission scanning electron microscopy.
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed not only the presence of well
dispersed CNTs but also needle-like shape aluminum carbide (Al4C3) crystals in the Almatrix.
The formation of Al4C3 was suggested as the interaction between the outer shells of CNTs and
the Al matrix during MA process in which crystallization took place after the sintering process.
The mechanical behavior of composites was evaluated by Vickers microhardness measurements
indicating a significant improvement in hardness as function of the CNT content. This
improvementwas associated to a homogeneous dispersion of CNTs and the presence of Al4C3 in
the aluminum alloy matrix.