Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene/Al Composites with Nacre-Inspired Laminated Architecture

Metal matrix composites are generally strengthened by introducing reinforcements at the expense of plasticity. The aim of the present study is to produce a two-dimensional (2D) Ti3C2Tx MXene/Al composite by means of bioinspired design and to surmount the contradiction between strength and ductility in the composite. Herein, by self-assembling aluminum flakes covered with 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene, and spark plasma sintering (SPS) followed by biaxial hot-deformation, Ti3C2Tx MXene/Al composites with a nacre-inspired laminated architecture have been prepared. A synergy has been achieved between strength and ductility in the composites because of the combined effect of laminated structure and enhanced interfacial bonding. With 4.0wt% of Ti3C2Tx, the tensile strength and elongation of the composite were improved by 53.4% and 68.46% compared to that of unreinforced aluminum, respectively. Interface mediated gradient deformation contributes to improved strength and reduced inhomogeneous deformation across the interface by decreasing strain gradient at interfaces. The strategy sheds light on the development of composites with good mechanical properties for manufacture of structural part.