Characterisation of AZ31 metal matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The focus of this study revolves around the synthesis of AZ31 metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using the powder metallurgy technique. Various compositions of CNTs were incorporated into the AZ31 alloy matrix. The sintered specimens were analysed using microstructural characterization and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were conducted to investigate the impact of sintering on the processed composites. Corrosion studies were performed in a sodium chloride (NaCl) medium, and Tafel curves were plotted to assess corrosion behaviour. It was observed that composites enriched with 0.5 wt.% CNTs demonstrated the highest level of corrosion resistance among the synthesized AZ31 metal specimens. © 2023, Springer Nature Limited.