Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti3AlC2 reinforced Al–4.5 Cu–1.5 Mg composites fabricated by powder metallurgy

Ti3AlC2 reinforced 2009Al (Ti3AlC2/2009Al) composites with various Ti3AlC2 concentrations were fabricated by high energy ball milling combined with powder metallurgy. Microstructure, phases and mechanical properties of Ti3AlC2/2009Al composites were investigated. The results indicate that, only a few and fine reaction product of AlTi2 could be detected, indicating that the interface reaction was effectively controlled. Ti3AlC2 extraction and delamination effectively facilitated the compatible deformation between Ti3AlC2 and Al matrix. All of these resulted in a much higher strength (688 MPa) and elongation (8.6%) of the Ti3AlC2/2009Al composite, as compared with most of the nanoreinforced aluminum matrix composites.