Hierarchical reinforcement strategy enables aluminum matrix composites with uncompromised high-temperature mechanical properties.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42129235.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-73160-7.
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Abstract
An aluminum matrix composite with enhanced high-temperature strength and modulus is developed in this study using powder metallurgy, incorporating high-energy ball milling-controlled in-situ reactions between the Ti<sub>2</sub>AlC (MAX phase) precursor and aluminum (Al) matrix. High-energy ball milling induces a dual-pathway elemental diffusion architecture in Ti<sub>2</sub>AlC, enabling the internal decomposition mechanism in Ti<sub>2</sub>AlC and producing a hierarchical microstructure. This structure contains (1) 0.42 μm and 38.6 vol.% Al<sub>3</sub>Ti particles uniformly dispersed in the Al matrix (0.32 μm), and (2) intraparticle carbon-contained clusters and rod-like phases (2-100 nm), enhancing Al<sub>3</sub>Ti strength. This multi-level architecture achieves high strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures, with ultimate tensile strength values of 632 MPa (room temperature) and 246 MPa (350 °C) and corresponding Young's modulus values of 124 GPa and 106 GPa, respectively. At 350 °C, the specific modulus of the composite surpasses that of Ti (TC4), Cu (QZr0.2), steel (45 steel), and Ni (GH93) by 88%, 190%, 55%, and 42%, respectively, which positions it as a competitive candidate for lightweight structural materials in high-temperature applications.