Structural and chemical stability of multiwall carbon nanotubes in sintered ceramic nanocomposite

Abstract The structural and chemical stability of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in ceramic nanocomposites prepared by spark plasma sintering was studied. High resolution electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate any degradation of the MWNTs. They were found to be well preserved in alumina after sintering up to 1900°C/100 MPa/3 min. In boron carbide, structural degradation of MWNTs started from ∼1600°C when sintered for 20 min. Multiwall carbon nanotubes maintained their high aspect ratio and fibrous nature even after being sintered in boron carbide at 2000°C for 20 min. However, no Raman vibrations of MWNTs were observed for nanocomposites processed at temperatures 1600°C) and longer processing times (>13 min).