Peak profile analysis of Al-Cu alloy prepared by Tubular Metal Additive Extrusion (TMAE) technique

The development of lightweight metal matrix composites with enhanced structural and functional properties is important in advanced manufacturing. This study investigates a tubular metal additive extrusion (TMAE) technique for fabricating aluminium-based composites containing copper and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The process involves powder processing, compaction, and hot extrusion to produce tubular metallic structures. Aluminium, copper powder, and CNTs were used as constituent materials, and hot extrusion was performed at 550 °C under an applied pressure of approximately 8 MPa. The fabricated samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, with emphasis on changes in diffraction peak profiles.

The XRD results revealed significant modifications in the aluminium diffraction pattern following copper addition. The principal aluminium peak shifted from approximately 38.2° to 38.4°, while additional peaks corresponding to Al₂Cu indicated intermetallic phase formation. With CNT incorporation, traces of the characteristic carbon-related diffraction feature were observed, along with changes in aluminium peak intensity and position. The Al-Cu-CNT sample exhibited a smaller peak shift of approximately 0.02° compared with the Al-Cu sample. Peak broadening was also observed, indicating changes in crystallographic structure and grain characteristics. The findings demonstrate the potential of TMAE for producing aluminium-based tubular composite materials