Fabrication of Various Carbon Nanotube/Nickel Nanocomposite Powders by Polyol Process.

We developed a molecular level mixing process for fabricating various types of carbon nanotube (CNT)/nickel (Ni) nanocomposite powders by a polyol process. A CNT/Ni nanocomposite was fabricated by two steps, dehydration of polyol and oxidation of acetaldehyde with the formation of diacetyl. Oxygen functionalized CNTs offer direct nucleation sites for Ni particles and strong chemical bonding between CNT and Ni particles. By controlling nucleation sites and nuclear growth, we successfully fabricated three different types of nanocomposite powders, CNT implanted Ni, Ni coated CNTs, and Ni decorated CNTs. Each type of powder was developed for various applications. During the sintering process, the implanted type retained CNT's crystal structure. As a conductive filler to other matrix, the coated and decorated type offered homogeneous dispersion and an enhanced conductive network. Various types of CNT/Ni nanocomposite powders show potential for remarkable development of bulk scale fabrication where exceptionally high strength and electric conductivity is necessary.