Ag/Ti3AlC2 composites with high hardness, high strength and high conductivity

Ag/graphite composites, as the most well-known sliding contact material, have short lifetime resulting from its lower hardness and strength. Ti3AlC2 has high conductivity, high hardness and layered structure similar to graphite, which makes it an ideal substitute for graphite. Here, Ag/Ti3AlC2 composites were successfully fabricated via hot pressing technique. In comparison with commercial Ag/graphite composites, the obtained Ag/5 vol% Ti3AlC2 composite exhibited superior mechanical and electrical properties, that is, high hardness of 94.5 ± 0.3 Hv, high tensile strength of 220.0 MPa, and high conductivity of 59.5% IACS (the international annealed copper standard). The formation of Ag (Al) solid solution in interfacial zone, arising from the partial decomposition of Ti3AlC2, greatly enhanced the mechanical properties of Ag/Ti3AlC2 composites.