Effects of carbon nanotubes on twin and texture evolution of magnesium matrix composite during compression process

A compression test is performed to investigate the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on twin and texture evolution of the 1.0 wt.% CNTs reinforced magnesium matrix (CNTs/Mg) composite. The compression process consists of elastic, yield and hardening stages, and the number of twin significantly increases at the yield stage. During the compression process, the crystal rotation and non-basal slip caused by twin shear alternately dominate the deformation of the 1.0 wt.% CNTs/Mg composite. The CNTs existing at grain boundaries lead to stress concentration, and the stress concentration stimulates the formation of twins at the yield stage. The formed twins interact with dislocations, result in crystal rotation and promotion of the non-basal slip system at the hardening stage under the effect of twin shear, thus, improve the toughness of the CNTs/Mg composite.