Core@shell structured Ti₃C₂T_x@Ni-reinforced Al composites with enhanced mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding performance

Al matrix composites reinforced with core@shell structured Ti₃C₂T_x@Ni particles have been prepared by pressureless-sintering and hot-extrusion technology. The as-prepared 1–3 wt% Ti₃C₂T_x@Ni/Al composites demonstrated improved mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). The Vickers hardness and tensile strength of Ti₃C₂T_x@Ni/Al composites increased with increasing reinforcement content. A hardness of 0.36 GPa and a tensile strength of 163 MPa were achieved in the 3 wt% Ti₃C₂T_x@Ni/Al composite, increased by 33% and 66%, respectively, but the ductility did not compromise too much, as compared with pure Al. The main mechanisms for the enhanced tensile strength but the maintained plasticity of the composites are the homogeneous distribution of reinforcement Ti₃C₂T_x@Ni particles, the efficient transfer of the applied stress from the soft Al matrix to the reinforcing particles, and the multi-absorbing energy mechanisms: delamination, buckling and kinking of Ti₃C₂T_x particles, crack branching and crack deflection. The 3 wt% Ti₃C₂T_x@Ni/Al composite also exhibited an enhanced EMI SE performance due to the synergic effect of the absorption loss of the Ti₃C₂T_x core and the magnetic loss of the Ni shell.