Enhanced mechanical, electrical and corrosion characteristics of Al-CNTs-Nb composite processed via spark plasma sintering for conductor core

Chika Ujah, Patricia Popoola, Olawale Popoola, Victor Aigbodion

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Monolithic aluminium has low density and high conductivity required in transmission conductors. However, it lacks the requisite strength necessary for long space crossing. To augment the strength, it needs to be reinforced with adequate materials. So, this work is focused on spark plasma sintering of Al-CNTs-Nb composite for power transmission conductor core. Spark plasma sintering of the samples was carried out with pre-determined optimum sintering parameters. After the sintering, the density of the sintered samples was calculated using Archimedes principle, while the micro hardness was tested with Vickers hardness tester. The polarisation test was carried out with Autolab (PGSTAT302N), while the electrical conductivity was tested with four-point probe meter. The results gave a 37% improvement in micro hardness and 30% increase in tensile strength with Al-8CNTs-1Nb. Al-1CNTs-4Nb gave the best corrosion characteristics of 51% and 57% improvements in corrosion rates and 443% and 323% improvements in polarisation resistance in NaCl and H2SO4 media, respectively. Electrical conductivity showed a little increase by 2%. In all, it is evident that this composite is a suitable material for power transmission conductor core for upgrading the power grid.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3775-3786
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Composite Materials
Volume53
Issue number26-27
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aluminium-carbon nanotubes-niobium
  • corrosion
  • electrical conductivity
  • micro hardness
  • spark plasma sintering

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Chemistry

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