Nanodiamonds reinforced titanium matrix nanocomposites with network architecture

The conflict between strength and ductility is vital problem for the metals. Titanium matrix composites (TMCs) have high strength but usually with a severe room temperature brittleness. Herein, a network distribution of nanodiamond (ND) reinforcements in the TMCs was achieved for the first time. The phases, microstructure, mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms of the TMCs with network architectures were systemically studied. Experimental results showed that the reinforcements had a network distribution in the Ti matrix and the diameter of networks was 100-200 mu m. Higher tensile yield strength (sigma(0.2)) with excellent ductility (epsilon) can be obtained in the nanocomposites. The in-situ formed TiC and residual NDs in the network boundary played the role of reinforcing phases, while the internal matrix of the network still maintained high ductility of the pure Ti. Eventually, the conflicts between strength and ductility of the TMCs have been reconciled effectively by the controllable spatial network distribution of the nano-reinforcements.