Nickel-alumina composites: in situ synthesis by a displacement reaction, and mechanical properties

Nickel-alumina composites have the potential to be high performance materials. Alumina, with its excellent oxidation resistance, combined with a ductile phase such as nickel may provide a tough material with a lower density and higher Young's modulus, overall, a higher specific modulus than typical Superalloys. Dense, interpenetrating Ni-Al₂O₃ composites were synthesized using a displacement reaction between NiO and aluminum. The resulting composites were characterized in terms of their mechanical properties such as hardness, flexure strength, fracture toughness and elastic constants. The synthesis, characterization, and mechanical properties, as well as the effect of the interpenetrating microstructure on the toughening mechanisms and other properties will be discussed.