Graphene-TiC hybrid reinforced titanium matrix composites with 3D network architecture: Fabrication, microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

Graphene (GR) was selected as a reinforcing phase to strengthen Ti6Al4V (TC4) alloy with incorporation of TiC nanoparticles at the interface of GR/Ti to reduce the interfacial reaction. The GR/TiC-TC4 composites with 3D-network architecture were fabricated by 3D dynamic mixing and spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques. Experimental results showed that GR can be mostly preserved in the composites due to the inhibiting effect of the added nano-TiC at the GR/TC4 interface. The tensile properties of GR-TC4 and nano-TiC/GR-TC4 composites were improved with the increase of GR content. At the same GR content, the mechanical properties of the nano-TiC/GR-TC4 are higher than that of the GR-TC4 composites. The 0.05 wt% nano-TiC/0.3 wt% GR-TC4 composites showed the best combination of tensile strength and ductility. It was attributed to the synergistic enhancement of the GR/nano-submicron TiC by increasing the energy required for the microcrack propagation and deflection. The addition of nano-TiC can reduce the interface reaction of the GR/Ti and subsequently improve the mechanical properties of the GR reinforced titanium composites.