Effects of carbon nanotubes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the wrought Mg–2.0Zn alloy

The effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of wrought Mg alloys with of 2.0 wt% of Zn content (Mg–2.0Zn) are investigated by the optical microscope (OM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and uniaxial tensile test. Different contents of CNTs are added separately in the as-cast ingots and as-extruded samples. The results showed that CNTs could greatly refine the microstructure of both as-cast alloy and as-extruded alloy. The tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and elasticity modulus of the alloy with CNTs were improved to different extents. Remarkably, the increase of elongation reached approximately 80%. The fracture surface of the alloy with CNTs mainly consisted of dimples with toughness rupture modes. Therefore, it suggests that CNTs could enhance the plasticity of wrought Mg–2.0Zn alloy without the reduction of strength.