A systematic investigation into a novel method for preparing carbon fibre–carbon nanotube hybrid structures

By electrospraying solvent dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a binder onto carbon fibre (CF), hybrid structures, with an end aim to improve interfacial bonding in composites, were formed. The electrospray parameters controlling the modification of the CNT morphologies were studied. High-speed camera observations found applied voltage was critical for determining spray mode development. Electric field simulations revealed a concentrated electric field region around each fibre. Both voltage and distance played an important role in determining the CNT morphology by mediating anchoring strength and electric field force. The forming mechanism investigation of different surface morphologies suggested that binder with appropriate wetness gives freedom to the CNTs, allowing them to orientate radially from the CF surface. Linear density (LD) measurements and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that a 10 min coating increased the LD of a single CF filament by up to 31.7% while a 1 h treatment increased fibre bundle mass by 1%.

Metallurgical and machinability characteristics of wrought and selective laser melted Ti-6Al-4V

This research work presents a machinability study between wrought grade titanium and selective laser melted (SLM) titanium Ti-6Al-4V in a face turning operation, machined at cutting speeds between 60 and 180 m/min. Machinability characteristics such as tool wear, cutting forces, and machined surface quality were investigated. Coating delamination, adhesion, abrasion, attrition, and chipping wear mechanisms were dominant during machining of SLM Ti-6Al-4V. Maximum flank wear was found higher in machining SLM Ti-6Al-4V compared to wrought Ti-6Al-4V at all speeds. It was also found that high machining speeds lead to catastrophic failure of the cutting tool during machining of SLM Ti-6Al-4V. Cutting force was higher in machining SLM Ti-6Al-4V as compared to wrought Ti-6Al-4V for all cutting speeds due to its higher strength and hardness. Surface finish improved with the cutting speed despite the high tool wear observed at high machining speeds. Overall, machinability of SLM Ti-6Al-4V was found poor as compared to the wrought alloy.