Fabrication and Characterization of AZ91/CNT Magnesium Matrix Composites

Abstract

Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) reinforced AZ91 metal matrix composites (MMC) were fabricated by the squeeze infiltrated method. Properties of magnesium alloys have been improved by impurity reduction, surface treatment and alloy design, and thus the usage for the magnesium alloys has been extended recently. However there still remain barriers for the adaption of magnesium alloys for engineering materials. In this study, we report light-weight, high strength heat resistant magnesium matrix composites. Microstructural study and tensile test were performed for the squeeze infiltrated magnesium matrix composites. The wear properties were characterized and the possibility for the application to automotive power train and engine parts was investigated. It was found that the squeeze infiltration technique is a proper method to fabricate magnesium matrix composites reducing casting defects such as pores and matrix/reinforcement interface separation etc. Improved tensile and mechanical properties were obtained with CNT reinforcing magnesium alloys

Electrodeposition of Nanostructured Magnesium Coatings

“…Several methods have been proposed for the preparation of Mg-based MMCs, including squeeze casting [14], stir casting [15] and powder metallurgy [16]. Mgbased MMCs have shown improved specific mechanical properties and low density; however, the Mg-based MMCs prepared in these reports suffer from several problems, including phase separation caused by inhomogeneous reinforced fibre distributions [17], large and uncontrolled pores inside the material and large grain size [15,18]. Such MMCs characteristics degrade their performance as a structural material.…”