Good strength-plasticity compatibility in graphene nanoplatelets/Ti composites by strengthening the interface bonding via in-situ formed TiB whisker

Cocklebur-inspired nanoengineering was employed for the interfacial structure design in graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)/Ti matrix composites. GNPs/Ti composites were fabricated by combination of spark plasma sintering and subsequent heat treatment. A trace of TiB whisker (TiBw) was in-situ formed directionally and strengthened the GNPs-TiC layer-Ti interfaces effectively. The interface failure evolution of GNPs-(TiBw)/Ti composites displayed that TiBw restrained the interface debonding of GNPs and deferred the destruction of TiC layer. Enhanced strength without sacrificing ductility were realized in GNPs-(TiBw)/Ti, which was attributed to significant strengthening of GNPs coupled with ruggedized interface bonding.