Mg-based Nanocomposites Research Articles

Superior de/hydriding kinetics and cycling stability of Mg-CeAl3@CeH2 nanocomposites

Efficient hydrogen storage is essential for the practical applications of hydrogen energy. Mg has been regarded as one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials to address this issue. However, the sluggish kinetics and high working temperature severely hinder its large-scale applications. Here, we facilely constructed Mg-CeAl3@CeH2 nanocomposites by ball-milling to improve the hydrogen storage kinetics and decrease the working temperature of Mg. X-ray diffraction analysis, along with selected area electron diffraction, revealed the formation of intermetallic compound Ce3Al during the de/hydriding process. Nano Ce3Al, CeAl3, and CeH2 modified Mg/MgH2 exhibit superior hydrogen absorption and desorption performance. For Mg-20wt% CeAl3@CeH2 nanocomposite, the activation energies were reduced to 70.8 kJ/mol H2 for hydriding and 84.6 kJ/mol H2 for dehydriding, respectively. The hydrogen desorption peak temperature was lowered by about 77 K for the Mg-20wt% CeAl3@CeH2 nanocomposite compared with Mg. The addition of CeAl3@CeH2 composite also inhibits the growth of Mg/MgH2 grains. Mg-CeAl3@CeH2 nanocomposites exhibited robust nanostructure and superior hydrogen absorption and desorption cycling stability. The hydrogen capacity retention remained above 96 % without de/hydriding kinetics degradation after over 20 cycles. This work provides a facile strategy to create catalyzed Mg-based nanocomposites to achieve superior hydrogen storage performance.

Process-structure-property studies on synergetic effect of contact and non-contact ultrasonication in AA5083-based bulk nanocomposite

High strength-to-weight ratio materials such as Al- and Mg-based nanocomposites have gained growing interest in engineering applications for aerospace, automotive, marine, energy, and military. This unabated demand can be met with the advent in materials science and processing technologies. The current study demonstrates a recently developed the technique that consists of the synergetic effect of contact and non-contact ultrasonication of liquid melt for dispersing nano-sized Al2O3 reinforcements in AA5083 alloy matrix. The work is primarily focused on the effects of two-step ultrasonication on wettability, dispersion of the nano-reinforcements in the AA5083 alloy matrix, and the resultant strengthening. The resultant is the AA5083–1 wt-% Al2O3 bulk nanocomposite, a high strength-to-weight ratio material. The extensive microstructure analysis comprising scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mappings reveals the uniform dispersion of nano-particles in different phases of the matrix. The electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) studies confirm the grain refinement while the X-ray diffraction (XRD) identifies the various phases formed are determined using XRD. The achieved uniform dispersion in the nanocomposite is explicated based on the enhanced wettability due to the presence of Mg in the alloy, preheating of nano-particles, and the synergetic effect of contact and non-contact ultrasonication that avoids the formation of zones of lower cooling rates resulting in powerful micro-convection. The resultant enhancement in the mechanical properties is explained based on available strengthening mechanisms. A comprehensive discussion on process-structure-property correlation has been presented.

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF MICROWAVE IRRADIATION TIME, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL CONCENTRATION AND pH ON THE PROPERTIES OF Mg-BASED BACTERIAL CELLULOSE NANOBIOCOMPOSITE

Mg-based bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites (Mg-BCN) were produced assisted by microwave irradiation. In this study, the effects of the concentration of starter molecules, solution pH, and microwave irradiation time (MIT) on the properties of Mg-BCN were investigated. Tensile strength, structural properties, morphology and thermal stability of the nanocomposites were evaluated. According to the obtained results, an increase in the concentration ratio of starter molecules, pH, and MIT increased the formation of MgO, in comparison with Mg(OH)2. The nanocomposites synthesized with the 1:2 and 2:1 concentration ratio of magnesium acetate to polyethylene glycol, at pH 11 and with 3 minutes of MIT, had the largest tensile strength and crystallinity. Meanwhile, the opposite results were obtained with 1:1 and 1:0 ratios, at the mentioned pH and time. According to FESEM analysis, at pH = 9, the nucleation rate decreased and smaller particles were formed. Moreover, the results showed decreased possibility of agglomeration in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). TGA results indicated that the thermal stability of all Mg-based nanocomposites is higher than that of pure cellulose. In addition, the maximum weight loss temperature in all treatments involving PEG was higher than in the case of the samples treated without PEG.

Characterization and Biocompatibility Assessment of Boron Nitride Magnesium Nanocomposites for Orthopedic Applications.

Magnesium (Mg) has been intensively studied as a promising alternative material to inert metallic alloys for orthopedic fixation devices due to its biodegradable nature inside the body and its favorable biocompatibility. However, the low mechanical strength and rapid corrosion of Mg in physiological environments represent the main challenges for the development of Mg-based devices for orthopedic applications. A possible solution to these limitations is the incorporation of a small content of biocompatible nanoparticles into the Mg matrix to increase strength and possibly corrosion resistance of the resulting nanocomposites. In this work, the effect of adding boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles (0.5 and 1.5 vol.%) on the mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, and biocompatibility of Mg-based nanocomposites was investigated. The properties of the nanocomposites fabricated using powder metallurgy methods were assessed using microstructure analyses, microhardness, compression tests, in vitro corrosion, contact angle, and cytotoxicity tests. A significant increase in the microhardness, strength, and corrosion rates of Mg-BN nanocomposites was detected compared with those of pure Mg (0% BN). Crystalline surface post-corrosion byproducts were detected and identified via SEM, EDX, and XRD. Biocompatibility assessments showed that the incorporation of BN nanoparticles had no significant impact on the cytotoxicity of Mg and samples were hydrophilic based on the contact angle results. These results confirm that the addition of BN nanoparticles to the Mg matrix can increase strength and corrosion resistance without influencing cytotoxicity in vitro. Further investigation into the chemical behavior of nanocomposites in physiological environments is needed to determine the potential impact of corrosive byproducts. Surface treatments and formulation methods that would increase the viability of these materials in vivo are also needed.

Evaluation of mechanical and corrosion properties of AZ91-GNP nanocomposites fabricated using the SMART/MA process

Mg and its alloys are lightweight metallic materials with a low density and high specific strength. The Mg alloy AZ91 is used as a lightweight structural material in automobiles because of its high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. In Mg-based nanocomposites, wherein graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are added as reinforcement materials to the AZ91 matrix, severe agglomeration occurs in the process of mixing the GNPs and Mg alloy powders owing to extensive van der Waals bonds between the GNP layers. This agglomeration of GNPs in the Mg alloy acts as a crack initiation site and lowers the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the alloy. In this study, a double-powder mixing process called SMART/MA is developed to inhibit GNP agglomeration. This process produces an AZ91-based composite with a few layers of GNP evenly dispersed throughout the matrix, which improves its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Fabrication of biocompatible Mg-based nano composites by using friction stir alloying

In the present research, friction stir processing technique was performed to ameliorate the MB3 magnesium alloy surface through grain reduction and integration of bio-ceramic Nano particles. The friction stir processing was carried out at 1140 rpm and 100 mm/min by using a tapered tool pin profile. The incorporated bio-ceramic Nano particles are hydroxyapatite, tri-calcium phosphate and aluminum oxide. The results revealed that all processed samples have finer grain structure than that of the magnesium matrix, which caused an increase in the average microhardness values in the stirred zone. Furthermore, the tensile properties revealed an enhancement in elongation of all processed samples with deterioration in both ultimate tensile and yield strength values. On the other hand, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results exposed larger capacitive radius of all samples compared with the base material which reflects the improvement in the corrosion resistance. Accordingly, the potentiodynamic polarization results of all manufactured samples showed better bio-corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid than that of the base material, where the best corrosion resistance was achieved by magnesium-hydroxyapatite composite. The results obtained from the immersion test results manifested lower corrosion rates of all processed samples; where the friction stir processed and magnesium-hydroxyapatite samples corrosion rates were about 66% and 31% respectively of the base material. The corroded surfaces of all samples contained filiform and pitting corrosions after 72 h of immersion in simulated body fluid.

Al and Zr addition to improve the hydrogen storage kinetics of Mg-based nanocomposites: Synergistic effects of multiphase nanocatalysts

Solid-state hydrogen storage is regarded as the key technology to develop commercial application of hydrogen energy, and Mg added with high efficiency catalysts is a promising candidate to break through the barrier of hydrogen storage materials. Herein, Mg−Al and Mg−Al−Zr nanocomposites have been prepared by adding the single-metal (Al) and bimetal (Al, Zr) into Mg nanoparticles by the hydrogen plasma-metal reaction (HPMR) method. The two kinds of nanocomposites have an approximate size of 100 nm. With the expansion of the plasma current, the content of Al and Zr in Mg−Al−Zr nanocomposites increases gradually, and the addition of Al and Zr conspicuously accelerates the kinetics of hydrogen absorption and desorption of Mg. Compared with the nanocomposites with the single-metal (Al), the addition of bimetal (Al, Zr) can further enhance the hydrogen absorption kinetics of Mg, and the content of Zr has a positive effect on the reduction of activation energy (Ea). The Ea of Mg88.3Al7.6Zr4.1 for hydrogen absorption is 68.6 kJ/mol, which is significantly lower than that of Mg92.6Al7.4 (80.6 kJ/mol) and other two Mg−Al−Zr nanocomposites with low Al and Zr (70.7 and 69.8 kJ/mol, respectively). Both the nanostructure of Mg and the synergistic catalytic effects of active “catalytic sites” and H “diffusion channels” provided by the multiphase nanocatalysts of MgAl and AlZr3 contribute to the reduction of Ea. This work provides guidance for the development of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials with high catalytic efficiency.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Ni–Gd alloy synthesised by powder metallurgy

ABSTRACT The hexagonal close-packed structure renders magnesium weak at room and high temperatures for structural applications despite its low density. Inducing thermally stable and coherent second phases would enhance/retain the strength of Mg-based alloys even at high temperatures. This paper aims to develop a high-strength Mg-based nanocomposite. A master alloy composed of Ni and Gd was cast and the composition of Mg97.56Ni1.22Gd1.22 (at.-%) was prepared using ball milling for 150 h. XRD plots of the as-milled powder having nano-size crystallites confirm the partial dissolution of the master alloy. Consolidation through sintering with 5, 7 and 9 h of exposure at 550°C and extrusion at 500°C resulted in the formation of Mg5Gd, Mg2Ni, Gd2O3 and MgO phases. The extruded samples possessed a high strength of 804 MPa, which can be attributed to ultra-fine grains and dispersoid strengthening by homogeneously distributed second-phase particles in the 100–200 nm range.

Hybrid biofabrication of 3D osteoconductive constructs comprising Mg-based nanocomposites and cell-laden bioinks for bone repair.

Tissue engineering approaches for bone repair have rapidly evolved due to the development of novel biofabrication technologies, providing an opportunity to fabricate anatomically-accurate living implants with precise placement of specific cell types. However, limited availability of biomaterial inks, that can be 3D-printed with high resolution, while providing high structural support and the potential to direct cell differentiation and maturation towards the osteogenic phenotype, remains an ongoing challenge. Aiming towards a multifunctional biomaterial ink with high physical stability and biological functionality, this work describes the development of a nanocomposite biomaterial ink (Mg-PCL) comprising of magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles (Mg) and polycaprolactone (PCL) thermoplastic for 3D printing of strong and bioactive bone regenerative scaffolds. We characterised the Mg nanoparticle system and systematically investigated the cytotoxic and osteogenic effects of Mg supplementation to human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) 2D-cultures. Next, we prepared Mg-PCL biomaterial ink using a solvent casting method, and studied the effect of Mg over mechanical properties, printability and scaffold degradation. Furthermore, we delivered MSCs within Mg-PCL scaffolds using a gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) matrix, and evaluated the effect of Mg over cell viability and osteogenic differentiation. Nanocomposite Mg-PCL could be printed with high fidelity at 20wt% of Mg content, and generated a mechanical reinforcement between 30%-400% depending on the construct internal geometry. We show that Mg-PCL degrades faster than standard PCL in an accelerated-degradation assay, which has positive implications towards in vivo implant degradation and bone regeneration. Mg-PCL did not affect MSCs viability, but enhanced osteogenic differentiation and bone-specific matrix deposition, as demonstrated by higher ALP/DNA levels and Alizarin Red calcium staining. Finally, we present proof of concept of Mg-PCL being utilised in combination with a bone-specific bioink (Sr-GelMA) in a coordinated-extrusion bioprinting strategy for fabrication of hybrid constructs with high stability and synergistic biological functionality. Mg-PCL further enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of encapsulated MSCs and supported bone ECM deposition within the bioink component of the hybrid construct, evidenced by mineralised nodule formation, osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen type-I (Col I) expression within the bioink filaments. This study demonstrated that magnesium-based nanocomposite bioink material optimised for extrusion-based 3D printing of bone regenerative scaffolds provide enhanced mechanical stability and bone-related bioactivity with promising potential for skeletal tissue regeneration.

Al and Zr Addition to Improve the Hydrogen Storage Kinetics of Mg-Based Nanocomposites: Synergistic Effects of Multiphase Nanocatalysts

Al and Zr Addition to Improve the Hydrogen Storage Kinetics of Mg-Based Nanocomposites: Synergistic Effects of Multiphase Nanocatalysts

Effect of graphene oxide on the corrosion, mechanical and biological properties of Mg-based nanocomposite

Effect of graphene oxide on the corrosion, mechanical and biological properties of Mg-based nanocomposite

Magnesium Based Hybrid Nanocomposites: An Insight into Nanoparticle Effects on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

Aims: The primary aim of this research is to understand the effects of type of nanoparticles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-based hybrid nanocomposites. For this reason, new Mg-based hybrid nanocomposites containing 2.2 vol.% Ti and 1.1 vol.% nano-Al2O3 or nano B4C particles were synthesized and their properties were studied in comparison with Mg-Ti and pure Mg. Background: Magnesium with excellent weight-saving potential is ideal for automotive and aerospace applications. But its use in pure Mg is restricted due to inherent limitations such as poor absolute strength, elastic modulus, deformability, and corrosion susceptibility. While most of these limitations can be circumvented by the judicious addition of micron-sized ceramic reinforcements, ductility is often compromised. One of the promising ways for ductility enhancement involves the use of nano-length scale reinforcements. Similar ductility improvements were also reported when hybrid reinforcements were introduced into the Mg matrix. While the role of hybrid reinforcement preparation, the particle size distribution, and volume fraction of hybrid reinforcements were studied extensively in the past, no detailed investigation on the effects of type of nanoparticles has been conducted so far. Objective: The objectives of this research include the successful synthesis and property characterization of Mg-based hybrid nanocomposites containing hybrid (Ti+Al2O3 or Ti+B4C) reinforcements. Result: While both hybrid nanocomposites displayed fine grains when compared to pure Mg and Mg-Ti, there was no noticeable difference between the grain size distribution profiles of Mg- (Ti+Al2O3) and Mg-(Ti+B4C) hybrid composites. The results of property measurements indicated an improvement in dimensional stability, indentation, tension, and compression properties of Mg due to the addition of either individual Ti or hybrid (Ti+Al2O3) or Mg-(Ti+B4C) particles. Among the hybrid composites, Mg-(Ti+B4C) containing hybrid (Ti+B4C) reinforcement exhibited a better combination of strengths and ductility. While the inherent strengthening contribution from B4C and Al2O3 reinforcements resulted in slightly different strength properties, the ductilization benefits of boron compounds enhanced the tensile fracture strain of Mg-(Ti+B4C). Conclusion: Since the particle size distribution and volume fraction of (Ti+Al2O3) and (Ti+B4C) are similar, the difference in strength values between Mg-(Ti+Al2O3) and Mg-(Ti+B4C) can be attributed to the matrix strengthening contribution from reinforcement type.

Improved H-Storage Performance of Novel Mg-Based Nanocomposites Prepared by High-Energy Ball Milling: A Review

Hydrogen storage in magnesium-based composites has been an outstanding research area including a remarkable improvement of the H-sorption properties of this system in the last 5 years. Numerous additives of various morphologies have been applied with great success to accelerate the absorption/desorption reactions. Different combinations of catalysts and preparation conditions have also been explored to synthesize better hydrogen storing materials. At the same time, ball milling is still commonly and effectively applied for the fabrication of Mg-based alloys and composites in order to reduce the grain size to nanometric dimensions and to disperse the catalyst particles over the surface of the host material. In this review, we present the very recent progress, from 2016 to 2021, on catalyzing the hydrogen sorption of Mg-based materials by ball milling. The various catalyzing routes enhancing the hydrogenation performance, including in situ formation of catalysts and synergistic improvement achieved by using multiple additives, will also be summarized. At the end of this work, some thoughts on the prospects for future research will be highlighted.

Manufacturing of Nanocomposites via Powder Injection Molding: Focusing on Thermal Management Systems—A Review

AbstractThe rapid evolution of electronic and information technology has increased the performance of the electronic processors significantly. Achieving the optimal performance in a smart electronic device poses a serious challenge as the heat generated during operation will reduce the performance of the device which makes thermal management a determinant factor. Powder injection molding (PIM) is an appropriate and relatively new technology used for mass production of small delicate parts with complex shapes and desired properties. One of the latest advances in the PIM process is the production of metal matrix nanocomposites with huge industrial applications, particularly in electronics manufacturing. Manufacturing of efficient complex-shaped nanocomposites, as thermal management components (passive heatsink), could be achieved through the PIM process. On the other hand, what could pose a challenge is the presence of nanoparticles affecting on the different stages of PIM process including feedstock preparation, molding, debinding, and sintering. In this paper, the effect of nanoparticles on different stages of PIM for the production of heatsinks is investigated. Then, the manufacturing of Cu-, Al-, and Mg-based nanocomposites by powder injection molding, as heatsinks, is reviewed followed by investigating the related advantages and limitations.

Stable and Antibacterial Magnesium-Graphene Nanocomposite-Based Implants for Bone Repair.

Magnesium (Mg)-based alloys are promising biodegradable materials for bone repair applications. However, due to their rapid degradation and high corrosion rate, Mg-based alloys are typically associated with in vivo infections and implant failure. This study evaluated the synergistic stability and anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially be achieved by the modification of the Mg alloy with graphene nanoparticles (Gr). Incorporation of low dosages of Gr (0.18 and 0.50 wt %) in a Mg alloy with aluminum (Al, 1 wt %) and copper (Cu, 0.25 wt %) was successfully achieved by a spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. Notably, the degradation rate of the Mg-based alloys was reduced approximately 4-fold and the bactericidal activity was enhanced up to 5-fold with incorporation of only 0.18 wt % Gr to the Mg-1Al-Cu matrix. Moreover, the modified Mg-based nanocomposites with 0.18 wt % Gr demonstrated compressive properties within the range of native cancellous bone (modulus of approximately 6 GPa), whereas in vitro studies with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) showed high cytocompatibility and superior osteogenic properties compared to non-Gr-modified Mg-1Al-Cu implants. Overall, this study provides foundations for the fabrication of stable, yet fully resorbable, Mg-based bone implants that could reduce implant-associated infections.

Heterogeneous Mg-based nanocomposites with simultaneously improved strength and toughness

The cryomilling induced microstructure evolution of the heterogeneous Mg-based nanocomposites (5 vol% SiC nanocomposites) was investigated. The strength and malleability/toughness of nanocomposites were increased simultaneously due to the optimized microstructure when extending the milling time, and it broke the conflicts between strength and toughness in Mg-based composites. The strength and malleability/toughness were affected by the crystalline orientation and the thickness of flake-like soft region. It demonstrated the unique heterogeneous structure design is an attractive approach to synthesize high performance Mg-based nanocomposites.

Superior ductility in magnesium alloy-based nanocomposites: the crucial role of texture induced by nanoparticles

In an expansive field of metals, magnesium has been trending of late in automobile, aerospace, defense, sports, electronic and biomedical sectors as it offers an advantage in lightweighting. In the realm of Mg-based materials, Mg nanocomposites have a good combination of specific strength, thermal and damping properties, but lack a high ductility and do not typically undergo a large amount of uniform elongation. The current work bridges this gap by reporting a magnesium nanocomposite (Mg–1.8Y/1.5Y2O3) that exhibits a significantly high tensile ductility of 36%. Microstructural characterization of the nanocomposite revealed that the striking presence of micron-Mg–Y phases and nano-Y2O3 particles in matrix led to a bimodal particle distribution which affected the dynamic recrystallization mechanism. It was also observed that the addition of Y2O3 nanoparticles weakened the texture of nanocomposite. The dominating influence of texture weakening over other mechanisms (grain refinement and alleviated micro-strain) on the plastic deformation/ductility of the nanocomposite is highlighted, and the contribution of nanoparticles toward the enhancement of ductility is ascertained. In contrast to the previous studies where Mg-based nanocomposites are known to have improved strengths, this approach can be used to develop magnesium nanocomposites that are exceptional.

Mg-based Nanocomposites for hydrogen storage containing La23Nd8.5Ti1.1Ni33.9Co32.9Al0.65 alloys as additives

Abstract Mg based nanocomposites containing different concentrations of La23Nd8.5Ti1.1Ni33.9Co32.9Al0.65 alloy has been undertaken at present work. Doped alloy was prepared by arc melting furnace and ball milled to get its nano structured. Hydrogen sorption properties of MgH2+ x wt% (x=10, 25 and 50) La23Nd8.5Ti1.1Ni33.9Co32.9Al0.65 alloy was characterized for their thermal, morphological and structural properties. Result shows that the alloy significantly reduced onset temperature of desorption. The TGA analysis showed higher desorption temperature for milled MgH2 compared to x wt% alloy added MgH2. Furthermore, the estimated activation energy for hydrogen desorption was found to be -177.90 , -204.65, -79.15 and -185.29 kJ/mol for milled ,10 wt%, 25 wt% and 50 wt % MgH2 respectively and also shows the reduction of activation energy by 98 kJ/mol due to the addition of 25 wt% alloy additives resulted the improved hydrogen storage capacity. The phase and purity of MgH2 during milling was studied by XRD and it is revealed that maximum stable and improved phase alteration for Hydrogen sorption was obtained during 25 wt % alloy milling. Morphological studies by SEM were undertaken to investigate the effect of hydrogenation of nanostructured alloy. DSC investigations were carried out to investigate the effect of alloy on hydrogen absorption behaviour of MgH2.

An experimental investigation on wear and corrosion characteristics of Mg-Co nanocomposites

In this research, Mg-Co nanocomposites were synthesized using powder metallurgy process. The impact of Co nanoparticle reinforcements on the hardness, wear and corrosion characteristics of Mg-Co nanocomposites were investigated. The dry sliding wear of the Mg-Co nanocomposites was examined using pin-on-disc apparatus under various loading conditions. The results substantiate that the hardness (70 HV) and wear resistance of Mg-25Co were higher than pure Mg (25 HV). The morphological analysis of Mg-based nanocomposites has been carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope and Atomic Force Microscope. The electrochemical corrosion analysis reveals that the increase in Co content in Mg matrix decreases the corrosion rate. The Mg-25Co nanocomposites shows better corrosion resistance (Icorr = 0.397 × 10−3 μA cm−2) than that of Pure Mg (Icorr = 0.544 × 10−3 μA cm−2). An increase in Polarization resistance (RP) also authenticates the increase in corrosion resistance of Mg-25Co nanocomposites. The EIS spectroscopy results reveal that the charge transfer resistance (Rct) has enhanced from 14.44 Ω cm2 for the pure Mg to 42.50 Ω cm2 for the Mg-25Co nanocomposites.

Mg-based composites for enhanced hydrogen storage performance

Abstract Hydrogen storage in solids of hydrides is advantageous in comparison to gaseous or liquid storage. Magnesium based materials are being studies for solid-state hydrogen storage due to their advantages of high volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity. However, unfavorable thermodynamic and kinetic barriers hinder its practical application. In this work, we presented that kinetics of Mg-based composites were significantly improved during high energy ball milling in presence of various types of carbon, including plasma carbon produced by plasma-reforming of hydrocarbons, activated carbon, and carbon nanotubes. The improvement of the kinetics and de-/re-hydrogenation performance of MgH2 and TiC-catalysed MgH2 by introduction of carbon are strongly dependent on the milling time, amount of carbon and carbon structure. The lowest dehydrogenation temperature was observed at 180 °C by the plasma carbon–modified MgH2/TiC. We found that nanoconfinement of carbon structures stabilised Mg-based nanocomposites and hinders the nanoparticles growth and agglomeration. Plasma carbon was found to show better effects than the other two carbon structures because the plasma carbon contained both few layer graphene sheets that served as an active dispersion matrix and amorphous activated carbons that promoted the spill-over effect of TiC catalysed MgH2. The strategy in enhancing the kinetics and thermodynamics of Mg-based composites is leading to a better design of metal hydride composites for hydrogen storage.