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This study has investigated the mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy composites filled with different contents of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase particles. The Ti3AlC2 particles were synthesized by the mechanical alloying of Ti, Al and C powders. The ultrasonic blending was used for preparing the mixture of Ti3AlC2 and epoxy matrix. The Vickers microhardness and pin on disc tests were carried out to investigate the mechanical and wear properties of samples, respectively. Moreover, the fracture and worn surface of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy images. Results showed that the microhardness values were increased due to increasing the content of Ti3AlC2 in the epoxy matrix. In this regard, the highest value of 39.24 Hv was achieved for composites containing 0.75 wt.% Ti3AlC2, which corresponds to the 75.4% improvement in microhardness value, compared to neat epoxy. Moreover, wear results demonstrated that the friction coefficient and wear rate values were decreased by the addition of Ti3AlC2 particles in the epoxy matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, fiber metal laminates (FMLs) have attracted considerable application in many industries due to their outstanding properties. FMLs are hybrid materials that are fabricated by adhesion of thin layers of metals and fiber-reinforced composites. It should be noted that the reinforcing mechanisms of nanoparticles on the polymeric composites have been well-established, but there is limited literature regarding the influence of nanoparticles on the mechanical behavior of FMLs and adhesively bonded joints (ABJs) between metal sheets and polymeric composites. To date, various nanofillers including carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, clay nanoparticles and oxide nanoparticles have been used for improving the mechanical properties of FMLs, and ABJs. The performed studies revealed that the efficiency of nanoparticles in improving the properties of FMLs and ABJs mainly dependent on various factors such as surface treatment of metal sheets, type of nanoparticles, the morphology of nanoparticles, the size of samples, fabrication parameters, etc. However, the effects of parameters on the properties of FMLs and ABJs reinforced with nanoparticles have not considerably discussed in the literature. This review paper aims to review the existing related papers regarding the effects of nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of FMLs and ABJs in the term of adhesion between metal sheets and polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]