Elastic modulus of multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminium matrix nanocomposite – A theoretical approach

► MWCNTs have been dispersed uniformly throughout the aluminium matrix. ► Observed increase in the Young’s modulus of MWCNT/Al nanocomposite. ► Indirect method for calculation of Young’s modulus of MWCNT using shear lag theory. Owing to its superior mechanical, thermal and electrical properties carbon nanotubes have attracted researchers from different disciplines. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with the outstanding Young’s modulus of 1 TPa, tensile strength of 63 GPa and high aspect ratio are among the strongest and stiffest reinforcements. These remarkable mechanical properties make MWCNTs ideal candidate as reinforcement in metal, polymer and ceramic matrix nanocomposites. In this work, aluminium matrix reinforced with MWCNTs was fabricated by powder metallurgy technique followed by hot extrusion. The Young’s modulus of MWCNTs is back calculated by applying the shear lag model. The modulus estimated was 897 GPa which is close to the theoretical value of 1 TPa.