Fabrication of magnesium-coated graphene and its effect on the microstructure of reinforced AZ91 magnesium-matrix composites

The surface of graphene (GNP) has been successfully coated with magnesium nano-metal to form composite structures in situ via the organic chemical reduction method. The results demonstrate that the organic chemistry plated was successfully used to synthesize 30-50 nm Mg nanoparticles (nano-Mg) smoothly occurred on the surface of graphene. The HRTEM results confirmed that heterogeneous nucleation of Mg promoted the tight bonding between the nano-Mg and the graphene interfaces. In addition, the wettability and dispersibility of magnesium-coated graphene within the AZ91 alloy matrix have been greatly improved, resulting in more beta-Mg17Al12 strengthening phase with a size of 100-300 nm dispersion and precipitation in the enhanced magnesium-matrix composite. These results reveal that the magnesium-coated graphene significantly affects the microstructure of the composite and exhibits an excellent reinforcement effect.

Automated summary

The successful coating of magnesium nano-metal on the surface of graphene using organic chemical reduction method has greatly improved the microstructure and reinforcement effect of magnesium-matrix composite materials.