Mg-AB(5) composites are promising systems for hydrogen storage applications, due to their possibility of hydrogen cycling at relatively low temperatures. Traditionally, these composites are mainly processed by high-energy ball milling (HEBM) techniques employing longer processing times. In this study, cold rolling was applied to prepare MgH2-LaNi5 composites and the hydrogen storage properties were investigated. The materials were processed using a vertical rolling mill under argon atmosphere, leading to a good homogeneity and no contamination at shorter processing times. The mixture of MgH2-1.50 mol.% LaNi5 showed the best hydrogen storage properties at 200 degrees C and 100 degrees C and the lowest desorption temperature even when compared to cold rolled MgH2. The results indicate that the composite MgH2-LaNi5 is transformed into a mixture of three phases MgH2, Mg2NiH4 and LaH3 upon hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles. The synergetic effect among these phases when in appropriate proportion in the sample seems to play a crucial role in the acceleration of hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics at lower temperatures in comparison to MgH2. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.