The influence of CNTs on the microstructure and ductility of CNT/Mg composites

•A novel and effective process was proposed to prepare CNT/Mg composite powders with CNTs uniformly dispersed.•CNTs could promote twinning formation and weaken the basal texture in hot-extruded CNT/Mg composites.•The ductility of CNT/Mg composites was greater than the pure Mg.

Powder metallurgy magnesium (Mg) composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were developed by an effective three-step process. CNTs were uniformly dispersed on the Mg powders surface without damaged structure. A large amount of twins appeared in the as-extruded CNT/Mg composites, and the basal texture was weakened comparing to as-extruded pure Mg, which played a positive role in the ambient tensile deformation. The elongation to failure of Mg composite with 0.08 wt% CNTs has increased greatly by 32%.