Direct ink writing of high-performance multi-level interlocked laminate-network titanium matrix composites

ABSTRACTIn this study, multi-level laminate-network boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs)/TC4 composite with interlayer interlocking was fabricated using a facile direct ink writing (DIW) technique. In-situ 3D nano-configurations consisting of BNNSs and TiBx nanophases distributed around TC4 matrix particles formed the first-level network structure, while the above composite layers and TC4 layers with interlayer interlocking formed the second-level laminate structure. It exhibits a comparable high tensile strength of around 1203 MPa, compared to composites with a single-network structure, while demonstrating a 20% higher toughness of 55.8 MJ/m3. The interlayer interlocking microstructure interlayer could be responsible for the strength enhancement, which benefits the stress transfer between layers. The improved ductility could be attributed to the crack blocking adduced by the laminate structure and the 3D network in the composite layers.KEYWORDS: Metal matrix compositesdirect ink writingmulti-level microstructuremechanical propertiesstrengthening mechanisms Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Supplementary dataSupplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/09276440.2023.2264039Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province under [Grant number KYCX21_3328]; The Research Foundation for the National Natural Science Foundation of China under [Grant number 51575245]; The National Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province under [Grant number BK20220533]; The Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, CAS and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Protective Technologies under [Grant number 2020K06]; The senior Talent Foundation of Jiangsu University under [Grant number 18JDG030].