About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Composite Materials for Advanced Functionality: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials and Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Ultra-lightweight and Ultra-Conductive Carbon Aluminum Composites for Vehicle Components |
| Author(s) |
Caleb Gula, Yahya Al-Majali |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Caleb Gula |
| Abstract Scope |
The transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) has prompted urgent need for multifunctional materials that enhance mechanical, electrical, and thermal performance while minimizing weight, improving vehicle efficiency and range. One such opportunity lies in the utilization of coal-derived carbon allotropes as reinforcement for aluminum alloys used in structural and non-structural components for EVs. This work explores the mechanical, electrical, and thermal behavior of ultra-lightweight and ultra-conductive carbon aluminum composite materials that offer performance, cost, and environmental benefits in comparison to traditional aluminum alloys. Commercially viable carbon allotropes derived from coal were incorporated at varying loadings into aluminum alloys using a novel solid phase processing technique. This approach enabled higher carbon content while promoting the formation of a favorable micro- and nanoscale structure. The presentation will discuss the resulting mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, with a focus on elucidating the relationships between processing conditions, composite formulations, and the resulting performance. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Composites, Mechanical Properties |