Surface Modification of Mild Steel by Carbon Nanotubes Reinforcement under Electron Beam Melting

Abstract

Structural properties of Mild Steel have been modified by embedding Carbon Nanotubes in its matrix. The embedment was done by forming a composite at the surface of MS with the help of a thermionic electron beam source at an acceleration potential of 5 kV and beam current of 45 mA. Structural analysis was carried out by X-Ray Diffraction(XRD). Stress and strain were reduced about three times while the crystalline size was reduced to 22% after embedment of Carbon Nanotubes. Surface morphology was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and composition was examined by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy(EDX) respectively. Average grain size of the modified sample was reduced from 1.94 micrometre to 720 nm whereas the hardness was increased to 30% for as received samples.