Microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes/AZ31 magnesium composite gas tungsten arc welding filler rods fabricated by powder metallurgy

In the present study, carbon nanotubes/AZ31 magnesium composite filler rods of gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding were fabricated for the first time by powder metallurgy. After welding, the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of nanocomposite welds was evaluated. By applying ball milling, CNTs were uniformly distributed in the filler rods. Consequently, the nanocomposite welds produced by these filler rods had a uniform distribution of CNTs in their compositions. Tensile tests revealed that the tensile strength of 1 wt% CNTs-reinforced weld was increased by 65% compared with unreinforced weld. Therefore, it can be concluded that CNTs can be good reinforcement candidates in GTA welding of magnesium and its alloys. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.