Effects of nano-nickel and MgO addition to alumina based matrices on properties of the resultant composites

摘要

Ni/Al2O3 composites were produced by using alumina nano- and micropowders, and 1.7 vol.% Ni nano-particles prepared by an oxalate method. Uniform mixtures of alumina and nano-nickel particles were consolidated by the SPS method for 7 min at 1400 °C in argon. Effects of second-phase nano-particles, MgO-dopant and particle size of alumina powder on the microstructure, and in turn on the resultant density, hardness, fracture toughness and wear resistance of the composites were studied. XRD, SEM, EDS, image analysis, Vickers indenting and wear resistance testing were used to determine the microstructural and mechanical properties of the studied materials. The MgO-dopant controlled the microstructure of Al2O3 polycrystals limiting abnormal grain growth, but in case of the Ni/Al2O3 composites a pinning effect, coming from nickel nano-particles, was more pronounced in reducing alumina grain sizes than a solute drag mechanism incorporated by the MgO additive. The alumina matrix composite hardened with nickel nano-particles was produced which showed a hardness of 18.3 GPa and very high wear resistance, as a result of the Hall-Petch effect.