Enhanced ductility of Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy reinforced with short length multi-walled carbon nanotubes using a powder metallurgy method

Mg-3Al-1Zn-CNTs composites, with different weight fractions (0.25-1.0 wt%) of carbon nanotubes ((NTs) were successfully fabricated via a powder metallurgy method. The processing parameters were adopted in such a way to have uniform dispersion of short length CNTs without any damage, as well as refined and dissolved beta phases structures throughout the composite matrix. The cotnposite exhibited impressive increase in microhardness (about +23%) and tensile failure strain value (about +98%) without significant cotnpromise in tensile strength, compared to the un-reinforced Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy. The synthesized composites can be used in automotive and aerospace industries due to their low density and high specific strength. (C) 2015 Chinese Materials Research Society. Published by Elsevier GmbH.