Microstructure and mechanical properties of Zn based composites reinforced by Ti3AlC2

30 vol.-% Ti3AlC2 particle reinforced Zn based (Zn-27 wt-% Al, denoted as ZA27) composites have been prepared via three different mechanically activated sintering technologies: pressureless sintering, hot pressing and combination of pressureless sintering and hot pressing (two-step sintering) technology. The relationship between sintering conditions, microstructure and mechanical properties of the 30 vol.-% Ti3AlC2/ZA27 composites has been investigated. The Ti3AlC2/ZA27 composite with enhanced tensile strength of 335 MPa and bending strength of 570 MPa was achieved by the two-step technology. The improved mechanical properties are attributed to the good bonding between reinforcing particles and matrix as well as the fine grained microstructure. Raising the sintering temperature is more efficient to improve the mechanical properties of the composites than applying pressure.