CNT is widely used for its promising properties in many fields such as mechanical reinforcement and specific thermal resistance. We propose to use nano structures directly to fully utilize the nice mechanical and thermal properties for nano machining....[ Read more ]

CNT is widely used for its promising properties in many fields such as mechanical reinforcement and specific thermal resistance. We propose to use nano structures directly to fully utilize the nice mechanical and thermal properties for nano machining.

In this project, CNTs were directly used as cutting grains. For the CNT grains, we use epoxy as one of the bonding materials of our choice. A series of CNT grinding wheels were fabricated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed new type of abrasive tool.

Preliminary experimental tests were conducted for the proposed method of abrasive tool making. The CNT wheels are made of 1% MWCNTs. Preliminary test results show that CNT wheels without functionalization give the best average results.

There are total 6 formal tests in this thesis to find out the influence of different CNTs such as variety of diameter and length, take effect on the grinding results. In the developed abrasive tool, CNT nano cutting edges are clearly seen in the TEM image and SEM image. Carbon nanotubes can be used as cutting grains for nano machining.