The carbon fibers were coated nickel by palladium-free activated electroless coating method and characterized by the field emission-scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM).Chopped carbon fibers reinforced magnesium alloy composites were prepared by powder metallurgy combining with hot extrusion
and fiber distribution in the composites was evaluated by the super depth digital microscope.Effects of carbon fiber content in range of 0
4
% on microstructure and properties of the composites were investigated.The results show that nickel-coated carbon fiber is uniformly distributed in the composites.Composites containing 4% carbon fiber and 3% aluminum prepared by pressing with 420 MPa and sintering at 550 ℃ for 0.5 hours
and then hot extruding with 280MPa at 480 ℃ can exhibit desirable mechanical properties.