Fabrication and Microhardness Analysis of MWCNT/MnO2 Nanocomposite

Recent research has shown that carbon nanotube (CNT) acts as a model reinforcement material for fabricating nanocomposites. The addition of CNT as a reinforcing material into the matrix improves the mechanical, thermal, tribological, and electrical properties. In this research paper multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), with different weight percentage (5%, 10%, and 15%), was reinforced into manganese dioxide (MnO2) matrix using solution method. The different weight % of MWCNT/MnO2 nanocomposite powders was compacted and then sintered. The phase analysis, morphology, and chemical composition of the nanocomposites were examined by X-ray diffractometer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), respectively. The XRD analysis indicates the formation of MWCNT/MnO2 nanocomposites. The FESEM surface morphology analysis shows that MnO2 nanotube is densely grown on the surface of MWCNT. Further, microhardness of MWCNT/MnO2 nanocomposite was measured and it was found that 10 wt% has higher microhardness in comparison to 5 and 15 wt%. The microhardness of the composites is influenced by mass density, nanotube weight fraction, arrangement of tubes, and dispersion of MWCNT in H2SO4(aq) solution.