High temperature mechanical properties and tribological behavior of nacre-inspired Ti (C, N)/Al-Cu composites

In order to improve the toughness of aluminum matrix composites with high ceramic contents, nacre-inspired Ti (C, N)/Al-Cu composites are prepared via freeze casting and pressure infiltration, and their mechanical properties and tribological behavior are investigated. The prepared composites can maintain excellent compressive strength, hardness and wear resistance when the experimental temperature increases from 25 °C to 300 °C. This can be attributed to the stable load bearing capacity of the Ti (C, N) ceramic layer at high temperature, the high interface binding capability between Ti (C, N) and Al, as well as the high crack growth inhibition ability of “layered network” structures. Moreover, the tribo-oxide layer formed during the wear process can further improve the wear resistance of the composites.