Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti2AlC particle and in-situ TiAl3 reinforced pure Al composites

A novel Ti2AlC particle and in-situ TiAl3 reinforced pure Al composites with different preparation temperature were fabricated by pressure-infiltration technique. The microstructure, phases and compressive strength of 45% Ti2AlC-Al system composites were studied. Compress test and XRD results reveal that the composite consisting 50% TiAl3 exhibits the best properties when the fabrication temperature was 1023 K. SEM results reveal that the presence of in-situ TiAl3 phase can great influence the interface bonding status. After carefully controlling the interface structure, the composite showed excellent compressive strength (1250 MPa) and specific strength (385 MPa.cm(3)/g) properties compared with other MAX-type or TiAl3 reinforced Al composites. High temperature test demonstrated that great strength and good ductility properties were maintained after heating above 773 K. Three strengthening mechanisms were discussed to characterize the mix-phase (Ti2AlC + TiAl3)/Al composites. The results indicate that high strength of in-situ TiAl3 phase and good deformation ability of Ti2AlC phase contribute to the improvement in compression behavior. This simple and efficient preparation method of MAX phase reinforced Al-based composite provides a new sight for high-performance metal matrix composites.