Properties and structure of magnesium matrix composite reinforced with CNTs

By using high pure Magnesium (99.9 wt%) as matrix and multi-walled bended carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforced phase, carbon nanotubes/magnesium matrix composite was prepared by the foundry method under the argon gas protection, and its mechanical properties were tested. The interface structure and component of plating and un-plating carbon nanotubes were analyzed by TEM and EDS, and the action mechanism was discussed. The experiment results show that the CNTs can strengthen mechanical properties of the nanotube-reinforced Mg matrix composite, the tensile strength and elongation ratio are greatly improved. Furthermore, the plating CNTs are better than un-plating CNTs in strengthening effects. The tensile strength is inereased by 150% and the elongation ratio is increased by 30% than that of matrix when content of CNTs is 0.67 wt%.