Balancing Strength and Ductility in Al Matrix Composites Reinforced by Few-Layered MoS2 through In-Situ Formation of Interfacial Al12Mo

In this work, few-layered MoS2(FLM) nanosheet-reinforced Al matrix composites are developed through powder metallurgy and hot extrusion. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and strengthening mechanisms have been systematically investigated. It is found that Al12Mo and Al2S3can be formed in-situ during the sintering process, resulting in the improvement of interfacial bonding between FLM and Al matrix. With 1.5 wt.% of FLM addition, an improved tensile strength of 234 MPa with a high elongation of 17% can be obtained. Moreover, the strengthening mechanisms are also demonstrated to be grain refinement, dislocation strengthening, and load transfer, and the calculation indicates that load transfer is the main contribution factor. This work will inspire more new designs of metal matrix composites with balanced strength and ductility.Keywords:aluminum;metal matrix composites (MMCs);MoS2nanosheets;microstructure;mechanical property;strengthening mechanism