The Significant Impact of Carbon Nanotubes on the Electrochemical Reactivity of Mg-Bearing Metallic Glasses with High Compressive Strength

Abstract

Here, we elucidate the significant impact of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the electrochemical behavior of Mg-based amorphous composite materials that were reinforced with CNTs while using pressure die casting. The addition of 3 vol % CNTs led to an increase in the compressive strength of Mg-based amorphous material from 812 MPa to 1007 MPa, and the fracture strain from 1.91% to 2.67% in the composite. Interestingly, the addition of CNTs significantly contributed to the enhancement of corrosion resistance of Mg-based glass by ~30%. The superior mechanical properties are primarily related to the fact that the addition of CNTs hindered the growth of shear bands (cracks), while the high corrosion resistance is related to inferior wettability and the bridging effect between adherent corrosive oxide film and the matrix that provided enhanced corrosion resistance.