Breaking through the dynamic strength-ductility trade-off in TiB reinforced Ti composites by incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract

Insight into the dynamic mechanical behavior of titanium matrix composites ( TiMCs ) under the extreme condition is requisite to provide improved understanding for the development of new protective materials. Here we reported a strategy to overcome the strength-ductility incompatibility in TiB whiskers reinforced titanium ( TiBw/Ti ) composites through tailoring a novel three-dimensional ( 3D ) reinforcement configuration via the incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets ( GNPs ). Effects of GNPs addition on the spatial distribution of TiBw, interface microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. Results evidenced that TiBw-(GNPs)/Ti composites showed concurrently enhanced dynamic strength and plasticity as compared to the conventional TiBw/Ti. The improved dynamic strength of TiBw-(GNPs)/Ti were derived from the alignment of 3D reinforcements, texture strengthening and GNPs-TiC synergistic effects . Stop-ring technology was introduced as the post-deformation analysis method. It turned out that the incorporation of GNPs induced higher thermal conductivity and strain-hardening capability, which delayed the formation of adiabatic shear bands . Moreover, considerable energy dissipation was required due to GNPs impeded the cracks propagation , which led to the improved dynamic plasticity.