Résumé
High elastic modulus and very low density make carbon nanotubes excellent candidates for use as
reinforcements in composite materials. Lightweight, high strength and stiffness, enhanced hardness
and enhanced electrical properties are among the drivers for the development of metal-nanotube
composites. Unlike nanotube reinforced polymer- and ceramic-matrix composites, the manufacturing
of bulk metal-matrix composites has been the subject of a reduced number of studies, and
remains a great challenge involving the expertise of materials scientists. Until now, most of the
classical processing techniques have failed in obtaining acceptable results, an exception being
the powder metallurgy route. Uniform dispersion of nanotubes in the metal matrix and high
nanotube-metal interfacial strength are among the main issues to be solved. This chapter outlines
the recent advances in the field.