Effects of Ti3C2T size on mechanical properties of Ti3C2T /ZK61 alloys

Two-dimensional (2D) Mxene (Ti 3 C 2 T x ) is an emerging reinforcement. Due to its high aspect ratio and abundant surface functional groups, Ti 3 C 2 T x is widely used in polymer matrix composites and metal matrix composites (MMCs). In composites, the strengthening effect of Ti 3 C 2 T x is closely related to its lateral size, which is usually difficult to be controlled macroscopically. In this work, the Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes with two different lateral sizes are prepared by etching Ti 3 AlC 2 powders with different sizes. The lateral size of Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes prepared by etching 400 mesh Ti 3 AlC 2 powders is about 0.67 μm (F1), and that of Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes prepared by etching 200 mesh Ti 3 AlC 2 powders is about 1.83 μm (F2). The F1/ZK61 and F2/ZK61 composites are prepared by spark plasma sintering. The hardness and compressive yield strength (CYS) of the F1/ZK61 composite increased by 16.5% and 8.2%, respectively. The hardness and CYS of the F2/ZK61 composite increased by 7.9% and 5.3%, respectively. This work reveals the effects on mechanical properties by controlling the lateral size of Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes in the Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZK61 composites.