| Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced Ag (Ag-CNTs (5% vol)) composite wire was fabricated by powder metallurgy and extrusion process. Then electrical conductivity, tensile strength, and hardness of the wires were studied. The results indicate that the CNTs could be effectively dispersed after the treatment of mixed acid. The interfacial bonding between Ag matrix and CNTs as well as the compactness of the Ag-CNTs composite was improved by the Ag coating on the CNTs, thus processability of the composite can be ensured. Compared with pure Ag, the Ag-CNTs composite presented an increase in electrical resistivity, tensile strength and hardness by 30%, 43% and nearly 100%, respectively, indicating the good reinforcement effect of CNTs. |
