Effect of size-variant 2D MXene on strengthening mechanism in metal matrix composites

The size of reinforcements is a pivotal and conventional parameter in metal matrix composites . Based on the distinctive preparation process of MXene , this research introduces a novel strategy to tailor the size of Ti 3 C 2 T x through the controlled ball milling of its precursor, Ti 3 AlC 2 . This approach fabricated Ti 3 C 2 T x sheets with sizes of 4.7 µm, 1.8 µm, and 0.6 µm. Subsequently, these Ti 3 C 2 T x sheets are incorporated into a magnesium (Mg) matrix composite to investigate the effect of Ti 3 C 2 T x size on the strengthening performance. The findings reveal a trend wherein the compressive yield strength (CYS) of the Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZK61 composites increases and the failure strain decreases with the decreased size of Ti 3 C 2 T x . Incorporating 4.7 µm Ti 3 C 2 T x results in an 11.0% reduction in CYS coupled with a 50% increase in failure strain. Incorporating 1.8 µm Ti 3 C 2 T x leads to a 4.6% increase in CYS with a 6.5% increase in failure strain. Incorporating 0.6 µm Ti 3 C 2 T x leads to a 10.7% increase in CYS with a 3.2% increase in failure strain.