Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of ( Ti, V)2 AlC/ Al2 O3 In Situ Solid Solution Composites by Reactive Hot Pressing.

Solid solution composites of ( Ti, V)₂ AlC/ Al₂ O₃ were successfully synthesized using the in situ hot-pressing process by the incorporation of the thermit reaction of Al with V₂ O₅ in Ti, Al, and carbon black system. The phase evolution during the formation of the composites was examined from 500°C to 1350°C, and a possible reaction mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of ( Ti, V)₂ AlC/ Al₂ O₃ solid solution composites. The composite with 10 wt% Al₂ O₃ possesses the best mechanical properties and the hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of the composites are enhanced by 53.2%, 140%, and 180%, respectively. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]