Current Study and Novel Ideas on Magnesium Matrix Composites

Abstract

Magnesium alloy is the lightest metal structural material, but its low strength, low plasticity and poor corrosion resistance severely limit its wide application as a light metal material in the engineering field. Magnesium matrix composites are considered to be one of the most advantageous ways to improve the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys and realize their industrial applications because of their high specific strength, specific stiffness, specific modulus and light weight. The article focuses on the current study of magnesium matrix composites enhanced by carbon nanotubes, graphene and SiC. The bottleneck of magnesium matrix composites is analyzed from the aspects of reinforcement dispersion, interface bonding and structural stability. The new ideas for the design of magnesium matrix composites are introduced from the aspects of surface modification of reinforcements, design of matrix alloy, and preparation process of the composite material. Also the development trend and research direction of future magnesium matrix composites are proposed.

Keywords

• magnesium matrix composites
• reinforcement
• interface bonding
• novel processing