Synthesis of high-strength magnesium alloy composites reinforced with Si-coated carbon nanofibres

Extruded magnesium alloy composites reinforced with carbon nanofibres have successfully been developed. The composites containing 7.5%, carbon nanofibres show a maximum tensile stress of 470 MPa. The strengthening is achieved by using the Si-coated carbon nanofibres. The coating leads to improvement in the wettability, resulting in homogeneous distribution of the carbon nanofibres. Strong bonding between the carbon nanofibres, coating layer and matrix is obtained via compocasting, Squeeze casting and extrusion. (c) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.