Effect of size-variant 2D MXene on strengthening mechanism in metal matrix composites

Abstract

The size of reinforcements is a pivotal and conventional parameter in metal matrix composites. Based on the distinctive preparation process of MXene, this research introduces a novel strategy to tailor the size of Ti3C2Tx through the controlled ball milling of its precursor, Ti3AlC2. This approach fabricated Ti3C2Tx sheets with sizes of 4.7 µm, 1.8 µm, and 0.6 µm. Subsequently, these Ti3C2Tx sheets are incorporated into a magnesium (Mg) matrix composite to investigate the effect of Ti3C2Tx size on the strengthening performance. The findings reveal a trend wherein the compressive yield strength (CYS) of the Ti3C2Tx/ZK61 composites increases and the failure strain decreases with the decreased size of Ti3C2Tx. Incorporating 4.7 µm Ti3C2Tx results in an 11.0% reduction in CYS coupled with a 50% increase in failure strain. Incorporating 1.8 µm Ti3C2Tx leads to a 4.6% increase in CYS with a 6.5% increase in failure strain. Incorporating 0.6 µm Ti3C2Tx leads to a 10.7% increase in CYS with a 3.2% increase in failure strain.