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

Ti 3 AlC 2 reinforced 2009Al (Ti 3 AlC 2 /2009Al) composites with various Ti 3 AlC 2 concentrations were fabricated by high energy ball milling combined with powder metallurgy. Microstructure, phases and mechanical properties of Ti 3 AlC 2 /2009Al composites were investigated. The results indicate that, only a few and fine reaction product of AlTi 2 could be detected, indicating that the interface reaction was effectively controlled. Ti 3 AlC 2 extraction and delamination effectively facilitated the compatible deformation between Ti 3 AlC 2 and Al matrix. All of these resulted in a much higher strength (688 MPa) and elongation (8.6%) of the Ti 3 AlC 2 /2009Al composite, as compared with most of the nanoreinforced aluminum matrix composites.