Mechanical, tribological and corrosion properties of fullerene reinforced magnesium matrix composites fabricated by semi powder metallurgy

Highlights: • Fullerene reinforced composites were synthesized using semi powder metallurgy. • Fullerene addition leads to increasing mechanical properties of magnesium. • 0.5 wt% Fullerene reinforced composite exhibited better wear performance than unreinforced magnesium. • Corrosion rate of magnesium was increased with the addition of fullerene. In this study, fullerene reinforced magnesium matrix composites were produced by semi powder metallurgy using ultrasonication, drying, hot pressing and sintering. Pure magnesium and 0.5 wt% fullerene reinforced composite were characterized for microstructure, mechanical, wear and corrosion properties. The experimental tests revealed that hardness behavior of pure magnesium was improved considerably with the addition of fullerene. Microstructural observations exhibited that fullerene nanoparticle is homogenously embedded in magnesium matrix. According to the compression test results, compression yield and ultimate strength were improved significantly. Furthermore, fullerene reinforced composite showed lower wear rate and coefficient of friction than unreinforced magnesium. However, corrosion rate was increased when fullerene incorporated into the matrix.