Wet Powder Metallurgy Process for Dispersing Carbon Nanotubes and Fabricating Magnesium Composite

Abstract

A wet powder metallurgy (WPM) process was developed to disperse carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and to fabricate the CNTs reinforced Mg matrix (CNTs/Mg) composite. The dispersion effect of CNTs were evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), respectively. Results showed that the CNTs were homogeneously dispersed on the surface of Mg powder. Adequate bonding and good interfacial interaction between the CNTs and Mg matrix contributed to the efficient load transferring from the CNTs to Mg matrix under a mechanical force. Furthermore, no brittle MgO was formed on the surface and it was beneficial to improving the adhesion of the CNTs to Mg matrix. With 0.5 wt.% CNTs addition, the CNTs/Mg composite experienced remarkable enhancements in tensile stress of 28% and Young’s modulus of 24%. The reasons responsible for these enhancements are suggested as the effective dispersion of the CNTs and the good interface bonding between the CNTs and Mg matrix.