Alumina-matrix composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the cast state were obtained by introducing powders of different compositions containing MWCNTs, Cu and/or Mg metals, and SiC ceramic particles into the Al melt. The structure of the composites was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the powder composition affects the effect of modifying the structure of aluminum matrix composites. The most dispersed structure (grain size 200 μm) is found in com- posites reinforced with MWCNTs with a microadditive of Mg. The hardness and mechanical properties of the composites were measured in a wide range of deformation rates (έ = 10 – 10 s). Experiments on loading aluminum matrix composites with plane shock waves were performed for the first time. From these data it follows that with an increase in the deformation rate, a gradual increase in the yield strength of composites up to 100 MPa is observed. A comparison of the strength characteristics of aluminum matrix composites with the corresponding characteristics of unreinforced Al shows that the strengthening effect of MWCNTs is more pronounced at higher deformation rates and reaches 60% at the maximum deformation rate.
I.G. Shirinkina (Wed,) studied this question.