In situ fabrication of Ti–Al/ Ti2AlC composite by hot-press sintering

Abstract Ti–Al/Ti2AlC (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 wt%) composites were prepared in situ via the high-energy ball milling of TiH2, Al, and C powders, followed by hot-press sintering at 1473 K. The effects of ball milling time on average grain size and phase evolution were studied. Results showed that the average grain size of the powder first decreased and then increased with the increase in milling time. The nano-Ti2AlC reinforcement can be synthesized in situ during the hot-press sintering process. The effect of Ti2AlC contents on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the composite was further studied. The hardness and yield stress increased with the increase in the weight percentage of Ti2AlC. Grain refinement mechanism was the dominant strengthening mechanism of the Ti–Al/Ti2AlC composite.