High mechanical strengthened CNTs/Al composite concepts with robust interface and intragranular reinforcement achieved via interfacial thermite reaction

In this work, we develop a novel strategy to simultaneously manipulate robust "Al-Al2O3-CNTs" interface and intragranular nano-sized Al2O3 whiskers and CuAl2 particles in the Cu2O@CNTs/Al composite via combining surface modification strategy with interfacial thermite reaction, which contributes to the superior mechanical properties. It was demonstrated that the interfacial thermite reaction between Cu2O and Al would effectively promote the formation of Al2O3 nanolayer at CNTs-Al interface, thus emphasizing to address the enhanced load transfer and interfacial plastic stability. Further, the long-distance diffusion of Cu and O atoms imposed by the intense thermal effect facilitates the in-situ generation of intragranular Al2O3/Al2Cu with good interface compatibility. These intragranular reinforcements could render sustainable strain hardening by trapping dislocation loops. Such interfacial thermite reaction-induced intragranular reinforcements and strong interfacial adhesion are supposed to provide a new perspective for achieving strength-ductility synergy in CNTs/Al systems.