ABSTRACT
This chapter is intended to emphasize the significance of carbon nanotube dispersion and its quantification methods. Normally, carbon nanotubes are obtained in the form of a black powder similar to metallic powders. The powders are made up of lumps, which are made up of entangled CNTs. When looked inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM), one can see the CNTs twisted and entangled with each other. In case of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown CNTs, the catalyst particles can be seen in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. The uniform dispersion of CNTs in the metal matrix is a major challenge. The reasons for difficulty in dispersing CNTs in the metal matrix are discussed. A discussion of the various methods utilized for improving CNT dispersion is presented with their applicability, limitations, and drawbacks. Achieving uniform carbon nanotube dispersion in the metal matrix is the main criteria for successful processing. As such, novel methods are presented for the quantification of CNT dispersion in the composite. The necessity and the advantage of CNT distribution quantification are also discussed.
