Simultaneous enhancement in strength and ductility by reinforcing magnesium with carbon nanotubes

The disintegrated melt deposition method was used to fabricate Mg nanocomposites containing 0.3, 1.3, 1.6 and 2 wt.% carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The nanocomposites obtained were hot extruded and characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. Lighter nanocomposites have been produced with the incorporation of CNTs than without them. A simultaneous increase in 0.2% yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and ductility was found for the Mg-CNT nanocomposites, until a threshold of 1.3 wt.% was reached. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.