Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)-templated synthesis of oriented TiB and the inspiration for tailoring three-dimensional (3D) interface structure in GNPs/Ti matrix composites

Inspired by cocklebur's design principle, an innovative three-dimensional (3D) interface design was proposed to strengthen the interface bonding of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced Ti matrix composites (GNPs/TiMCs). To elucidate the growth mechanisms of in-situ TiB array with oriented assignment configuration, the novel pressureless spark plasma sintering (PL-SPS) followed by heat treatment (HT) were performed on the TiB2@GNPs/Ti powders. It was found that TiB nanocrystals epitaxially grown at GNPs wrinkle sites with typical orientation relationship of TiB (101)//GNPs (200), as determined by the nanobeam diffraction mode of TEM. Moreover, the special symbiosis structure between in-situ TiC and TiB was also observed in the growth densification stage, which was beneficial for the TiC-TiB bonding. Finally, the heteroepitaxial mechanism of TiB has inspired the 3D interface configuration in bulk GNPs/Ti, and simultaneously enhanced strength and ductility were achieved as compared to the conventional GNPs/Ti composites.

Automated summary

The study proposed an innovative three-dimensional interface design inspired by the cocklebur's design principle to strengthen the interface bonding of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced Ti matrix composites. Through pressureless spark plasma sintering and heat treatment, epitaxially grown TiB nanocrystals at GNPs wrinkle sites with a typical orientation relationship of TiB (101)//GNPs (200) were observed, and a special symbiosis structure between in-situ TiC and TiB was revealed. The heteroepitaxial mechanism of TiB inspired the 3D interface configuration in bulk GNPs/Ti, leading to enhanced strength and ductility compared to conventional GNPs/Ti composites.