Production and characterization of carbon nanotube by mechano-thermal method

In the present study, the production of the carbon nanotube was performed in two steps by mechano-thermal method. The first step was the milling process of graphite powders. In the second step, the graphite powders were transformed to the carbon nanotube. Milling process was performed by using two different mills. The milled powders were analyzed using X-ray difraction and thus, the quantity of amorphization which is formed in graphite during milling and other changes were determined. The second step used in this study was anneling process at higher temperatures. With this aim, the milled powders were annealed at temperature varying from 1200 oC to 1600 oC. Thus, the transformation to nanotube was achieved. After the annealing process, the obtained samples were analyzed by SEM, FE-SEM and HR-TEM techniques. With results of SEM, FE-SEM and HR-TEM, it was determined whether the carbon nanotube was formed or not. Also, the lenght and diameter of carbon nanotubes were determined. The obtained results confirm that the production of the carbon nanotube can be performed by mechano-thermal method.Keywords: Carbon Nanotube, High Energy Milling, Mechano-Thermal Method, Amorphization of Graphite