Synthesis, mechanical properties and microstructure of carbon nanotube reinforced magnesium metal composites

• Applicant: Dr. Qianqian Li
• Subject Area: Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes
• Term: from 2010 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 165500696

Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced material composites have attracted considerable attention due to their outstanding properties. However, an understanding of reinforcing mechanisms, and how these mechanisms interact in a given material system, is still lacking. The potential benefits of CNT reinforcement can be accessed only if physical fundamentals are understood. Regarding CNT-metal composites little has been done even in the area of experimental synthesis, processing, and characterization. The proposed research will for the first time investigate systematically on CNT reinforced magnesium composite. Experimentally, a novel process to fabricate CNT magnesium composites by using dispersion of CNTs in the melt will be developed. Of particular interest are the dispersion and wettability of different types of CNTs in magnesium melts. Combining with the experiments, the CNT reinforcing mechanisms will be thoroughly investigated. We will assess their validity, determine their efficiency, and understand their interactions with other strengthening mechanisms in complex alloy systems. The basic mechanisms will be evaluated to assess the theoretical potential of CNT reinforcement and to guide the experimental research. Comprehensive characterizations will be carried out to be benchmarked against the theoretical properties.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants