Preparation of Ti3SiC2/Al Nanocomposites via Mechanical Ball Milling

This study explores the process of creating nanocomposite materials using micrometer-sized Ti3SiC2 ceramic particles and Al powder through composite ball milling. Various types of milling balls were tested, with zirconia balls proving most effective in refining Ti3SiC2 particles and achieving uniform dispersion in the Al matrix, unlike steel and agate balls that led to agglomeration. The resulting composite powder, milled with zirconia balls, was used to produce homogeneous bulk nanocomposite materials under specific conditions. Compared to non-nanocomposite materials, Ti3SiC2/Al nanocomposites exhibited increased hardness and strength while maintaining ductile fracture properties.

Nanomaterials have attracted significant attention due to their unique properties, and their preparation techniques have become a focal point in materials science. Mechanical ball milling, known for its simplicity and scalability, has been widely used to produce conventional metal-based composite materials and has recently gained attention for nanomaterials and amorphous materials. Researchers have utilized this method to produce various nanocomposite materials, but there's a limited focus on nanocomposites, especially those involving metals, mainly due to the challenges in achieving uniform dispersion of nanoscale ceramic particles in metal matrices.

Existing research often requires expensive nanoscale ceramic particles, limiting practical applications. Hence, using micrometer-sized ceramic particles for nanocomposite production while controlling processing parameters becomes a compelling topic. In this study, Ti3SiC2/Al nanocomposites were successfully prepared using micrometer-sized Ti3SiC2 and Al powders. Zirconia balls were used during ball milling, resulting in uniform dispersion and refinement of Ti3SiC2 particles, with an average particle size of about 100 nm.

Materials and Methods

Commercially available pure aluminum powder (99 wt%) and micrometer-sized Ti3SiC2 ceramic particles (10% volume fraction) were used. Mechanical ball milling was conducted under argon protection using a QM-1SP4-CL ball milling machine. Various milling balls (steel, agate, and zirconia) were employed. After milling, the composite powders were pressed into bulk materials under 550°C and 20 MPa of argon protection. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for microstructure analysis.

Results and Discussion

Different milling balls had a significant impact on powder morphology. Zirconia balls yielded the finest and most uniform dispersion, while steel and agate balls resulted in larger particle sizes and agglomeration. Extended ball milling with zirconia balls further refined Ti3SiC2 particles, reaching an average size of approximately 100 nm, indicating the potential for large-scale nanocomposite production. The choice of milling material played a crucial role in achieving uniformity and refinement.

Bulk nanocomposite materials, produced at 550°C and 20 MPa, showed a uniform distribution of Ti3SiC2 particles with an average size of about 100 nm. Compared to non-nanocomposite materials, Ti3SiC2/Al nanocomposites exhibited increased hardness and strength while maintaining ductile fracture characteristics. This suggests that, with the right processing parameters and suitable ceramic and milling materials, it is feasible to create nanocomposite materials using micrometer-sized ceramic particles as raw materials.

Conclusion

In summary, zirconia balls proved effective in refining Ti3SiC2 particles and achieving uniform dispersion in the Al matrix, leading to the creation of dispersed-strengthened bulk aluminum-based nanocomposite materials. The study highlights the potential for preparing nanocomposites using micrometer-sized ceramic particles, provided that appropriate materials and processing parameters are chosen. The choice of milling material significantly influences the refinement and uniform distribution of ceramic particles. Achieving uniformity and refinement are critical considerations in mechanical ball milling for different material systems.