The development of metal nanocomposites reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) remains a focus of the scientific community due to the growing need to produce lightweight advanced materials with unique mechanical properties. However, for the successful production of these nanocomposites, there is a need to consolidate knowledge about how reinforcement influences the matrix microstructure and which are the strengthening mechanisms promoting the best properties. In this context, this investigation focuses on the study of the reinforcement effect on the microstructure of an Ni-CNT nanocomposites produced by powder metallurgy. The microstructural evolution was analysed by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The EBSD results revealed that the dispersion/mixing and pressing processes induce plastic deformation in the as-received powders. The dislocation structures produced in those initial steps are partially eliminated in the sintering process due to the activation of recovery and recrystallization mechanisms. However, the presence of CNTs in the matrix has a significant effect on the dislocation annihilation, thus reducing the recovery of the dislocation structures.
Keywords: carbon nanotubes; dislocation structure; electron backscattered diffraction; grain boundary; metal matrix nanocomposites; recrystallization.