Inhibiting the interfacial reaction between few-layered graphene and titanium via SiC nanoparticle decoration

The high reaction tendency between graphene and titanium (Ti) matrix during fabrication of graphene/Ti composites aggravates the structural integrity of graphene and limits its outstanding strengthening potential. In order to solve this problem, in this study, few-layered graphene (FLG) decorated with SiC nanoparticles (SiCp@FLG) was synthesized to reinforce Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) alloy via a powder metallurgy route. Microstructure and Vickers hardness of the developed SiCp@FLG/Ti64 composites were studied systematically. Results showed that the SiCp decoration changed the morphology of FLG/Ti interface from continuous TiC reaction layer to discontinuous TiC nanoparticles during hot-press sintering. This discontinuous interface not only kept the integrity of FLG by suppressing its reaction with Ti matrix but also led to direct bonding between FLG and Ti. This designing strategy of protecting the reinforcement by secondary particle decoration can be potentially applied to the development of high-performance metal matrix composites.