Fabrication, microstructure, and properties of Cu nanoparticles-loaded Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets-reinforced Cu matrix composites

In this study, copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs)-modified Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets (Ti 3 C 2 T x @Cu) were synthesized via chemical reduction. Subsequently, Ti 3 C 2 T x @Cu/Cu composite powder was synthesized via low-energy ball milling, followed by rapid hot pressing to fabricate Ti 3 C 2 T x @Cu/Cu composites. The influence of Ti 3 C 2 T x @Cu content on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological performance of Ti 3 C 2 T x @Cu/Cu composites was systematically investigated. With increasing Ti 3 C 2 T x @Cu content (0–10 vol.%), the Brinell hardness of the composites gradually increased, while the tensile strength showed an initial increase to a maximum of 311.59 MPa at 3 vol.%, and then gradually decreased. The main reason for this improvement was the enhancement effect of Ti 3 C 2 T x @Cu. Moreover, Ti 3 C 2 T x @Cu effectively enhanced the tribological performance of the Cu matrix, attributed to the synergistic effect of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets and Cu NPs. These components could get adsorbed onto the surface of the friction pairs and induce tribochemical reactions, resulting in the formation of Fe 2 O 3 and CuO. Consequently, a stable protective film composed of Fe 2 O 3 /CuO/Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene was formed on the worn surface, thereby reducing friction.