Effect of High Energy Ball Milling on Reinforcement of MWCNTs in Magnesium Nano Composites

Abstract

In this research the effect of ball milling on reinforcing variable weight percentage of Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNTs) in to Magnesium (Mg) were studied. MWCNTs with 0.5wt%, 1.0wt% & 1.5wt% were added to magnesium and milled for a duration of 2hrs at a speed of 300RPM in a planetary ball mill. The milled powders were analyzed using a Scanning Electron Microscope for its microstructure and homogeneity of distribution of MWCNTs in Mg. Ball milled powders were also checked with EDS to find any other contamination formation due to chemical reaction during ball milling. It was found that the MWCNT of 0.5wt% & 1.0wt% were homogeneously distributed in Mg matrix, however 1.5wt% found with high agglomeration of CNTs.It is observed that the high volume nature of CNTs makes it difficult to accommodate in Mg particles and get clustered due to Wander Wall’s forces, which leads to agglomeration.EDS analysis shows a small amount of MgO formation due to the unprotected atmosphere of ball milling.