Enhancement of mechanical properties by reinforcing magnesium with Ni-coated carbon nanotubes

Abstract

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are coated with nickel (Ni) to improve the wettability of the CNT surface and metal matrix, and allow an effective load transfer from the matrix to nanotubes. Pure magnesium is used as the matrix material and different weight percentages of Ni-coated multiwalled CNTs are incorporated as the reinforcing material. The nanocomposite materials are synthesized using the powder metallurgy route followed by microwave assisted rapid sintering. Mechanical property characterizations reveal an improvement of 0.2% yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and ductility with the addition of Ni-CNTs. As such, Ni-coated CNTs can be used as a reinforcement in magnesium to improve the formability of the material for light-weight, strength-based applications. Copyright © 2010 by ASME.