Fabrication and mechanical properties of electroconductive high temperature ZrC particle-reinforced Ti3AlC2 Composites

摘要

In order to develop new electroconductive composites which can be used at high temperatures as thermal and functional structural components, a 20 vol.% ZrC particle reinforced Ti3AlC2 composite (ZrC/Ti3AlC2) was fabricated via in-situ reactive hot pressing under 30 Mpa at 1500°C for 2 h in Ar. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the ZrC/Ti3AlC2 composite were studied with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. ZrC particles were uniformly distributed in the Ti3AlC2 matrix. Compared with the monolithic Ti3AlC2, the composite exhibits higher flexural strength, higher fracture toughness and higher hardness. The unique combination of high mechanical properties, good electroconductivity and machinability makes ZrC/Ti3AlC2 composites very promising candidates for the high temperature applications.