In situ synthesis of Ti2AlC–Al2O3/TiAl composite by vacuum sintering mechanically alloyed TiAl powder coated with CNTs.

Highlights: [•] Using zwitterionic surfactant to enhance the dispersion of the CNTs on the powder surface. [•] CNTs as carbon source decreased the formation temperature of Ti2AlC. [•] Al2O3 was generated in situ from the oxygen atoms introduced in the drying procedure. [•] Nanosized Ti3Al was precipitated at 1250°C and distribute in the TiAl matrix homogeneously. [•] Ti2AlC–Al2O3/TiAl composite was synthesized in situ by sintering pre-alloy Ti–Al coated with CNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]