Effects of carbonaceous reinforcements on microstructure and corrosion properties of magnesium matrix composites

In this study carbonaceous (C-based) reinforced AZ91 matrix composites were fabricated with the same weight fraction of 0.50 wt.% via semi powder metallurgy. The hot pressing test machine was used under high purity argon atmosphere. Multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Fullerene (C60) were used as reinforcements. Microstructure, hardness and corrosion performances of fabricated composites were investigated. Results show that hardness of AZ91 alloy was improved with the addition of carbonaceous reinforcements. AZ91/C60 composite exhibited highest hardness performance. However, corrosion performance of AZ91 was affected negatively by the addition of reinforcements. MWCNT exhibited highest corrosion rate among the fabricated samples. •Carbonaceous reinforced magnesium matrix composites were succesfully produced by semi powder metallurgy method.•Hardness of AZ91 magnesium alloy was improved considerably with the addition of reinforcements.•Fullerene reinforced composite has the highest hardness among the samples.•Corrosion performance of magnesium alloy was affected negatively due to galvanic reaction.