In this investigation, carbon nanotube (CNT) aluminum composite coatings are produced by kinetic spraying. Electrical and mechanical properties are evaluated and compared with those of cold-sprayed pure aluminum coatings. The CNT aluminum composite coatings exhibited higher conductivity and hardness than the pure aluminum, which is attributed to the high electrical conductivity and dispersion hardening effects of embedded CNTs in the aluminum matrix.

In situ values of Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio for thermal spray coatings are needed to evaluate properties and characteristics of thermal spray coatings such as residual stresses, in-service stresses, bond strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue crack growth rates. It is important to have methods documented in detail so that people can follow the document and use the methods. Such a document requires more pages than are allowed in conference proceeding and journal papers. Thus, Recommended Practices and Standards describing these methods are needed. Currently, there is not a recommended practice or standard for evaluating Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio for thermal spray coatings. The ASM International Thermal Spray Society has recognized this need and formed a committee on Recommended Practices for Thermal Spray Coatings. This paper describes one of the recommended practices being written by the Mechanical Properties Evaluation Subcommittee of the Recommended Practices Committee. The specimen is a coated substrate in the form of a cantilever beam. The method is easy to use and inexpensive. The equipment needed is a vise or clamping fixture, strain gages, a strain indicator, a micrometer, a ruler, a hanger, and a set of weights. The specimen is easy to machine and spray. The loading is easy to apply and remains constant during readings. The method can be used to evaluate Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio in tension or compression. A description of the method, a verification, and a sensitivity analysis was done and published in Reference [1]. Some of the details of implementing the method and the data sheet are presented here.