Abstract
In this research investigation on milling parameters to achieve uniform dispersion of
multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was conducted. High-energy ball milling (HEBM)
technique was adopted to disperse 1 wt. % MWCNTs in titanium and manganese oxides with
ball to powder ratio (BPR) of 10:1 at 6 and 9 hours milling times. Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD)
were used to characterize the as-received MWCNTs and admixed composite powders. The
results indicated that HEBM was an effective route to disperse MWCNTs in transition metal
oxides. In addition, the characteristics of admixed powders evidently showed that the increase
of milling time effectively dispersed the MWCNTs in titanium and manganese oxide
respectively, however deformation of sidewalls of MWCNTs was observed due to harsh
milling conditions that resulted on non-sp2 defects in the MWCNTs.