V/MgAl₂O₄ composites for hostile environment applications - Part II: Properties

Metal-ceramic composites consisting of vanadium (V) metal and magnesio-aluminate spinel (MgAl₂O₄) ceramic were developed for high radiation applications. A number of powder processing routes (presented in Part I) were followed that yielded composites with different properties. Results obtained from X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and mechanical testing (fracture toughness and hot hardness) are presented relating microstructure and processing to material properties. A critical issue is the amount of oxygen dissolved in vanadium; it is shown that by reducing this amount substantial improvements were attained in composite properties.