Owing their wide range of exceptional properties, for example thermal conductivity values of more than 3000W/(mK) and strength in the range of 100 GPa, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have recently gained much attention as reinforcement for composite materials. Considering the practical application in metal matrix composites (MMCs), tranferring those favourable properties from nano to macro scale represents a main challenge. Methods of the powder metallurgy route show promising results so far, but also lead to long process times and damage of the tublar structure of the CNTs due to prolonged ball milling times. At this point, the application of Friction Stir Processing (FSP) for fabricating CNT-reinforced MMCs offers the possibility to reduce process times and realize the required reinforcement at the relevant location of the component. The process uses a specially designed tool with a pin to pl...

Owing their wide range of exceptional properties, for example thermal conductivity values of more than 3000W/(mK) and strength in the range of 100 GPa, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have recently gained much attention as reinforcement for composite materials. Considering the practical application in metal matrix composites (MMCs), tranferring those favourable properties from nano to macro scale represents a main challenge. Methods of the powder metallurgy route show promising results so far, but also lead to long process times and damage of the tublar structure of the CNTs due to prolonged ball milling times. At this point, the application of Friction Stir Processing (FSP) for fabricating CNT-reinforced MMCs offers the possibility to reduce process times and realize the required reinforcement at the relevant location of the component. The process uses a specially designed tool with a pin to pl...