Fabrication and mechanical properties of magnesium matrix composite reinforced with Si coated carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) reinforced Si coatings were prepared using solid reaction method between pure silicon powders and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). And, CNTs reinforced AZ91 metal matrix composites (MMC) were fabricated by the squeeze infiltrated method. The results obtained pave the way for the formation of coated carbon nanotubes for the development of composites with a homogenous microstructure and improved performance. The Si coated MWNTs leads to improvement in the wettability, distribution, bonding strength in the MWNTs matrix composite. The squeeze infiltration technique was a proper method to fabricate magnesium matrix composites reducing casting defects such as pores and matrix/reinforcement interface separation etc. Improved tensile strength were obtained by reinforcing Si coated CNT to magnesium alloys.