Using integrated hybrid (Al + CNT) reinforcement to simultaneously enhance strength and ductility of magnesium

Magnesium nano-composites containing hybrid aluminium–carbon nanotube (Al–CNT) reinforcement were synthesized through powder metallurgy route using microwave assisted rapid sintering technique followed by hot extrusion. Compared to monolithic Mg, microstructural characterization revealed reasonably uniform distribution of Al–CNT particles in the matrix and reduction in average matrix grain size in the case of hybrid nano-composites. Compared to monolithic Mg, the Mg/Al–CNT nano-composites exhibited higher elastic modulus, strength and failure strain up to 1.00 wt.% Al content. The CNT content was kept constant at 0.18 wt.%. Among the different nano-composite formulations, the Mg/1.00Al–0.18CNT nano-composite exhibited the best improvement in elastic modulus (E), tensile yield strength (0.2%YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and failure strain (up to +3.6%, +38%, +36% and +42%, respectively) compared to pure Mg. The effect of hybrid Al–CNT reinforcement integration on the enhancement of mechanical properties of Mg is investigated in this paper.