Microstructure and mechanical properties of NiAl/Al2O3 composites

To improve mechanical properties of NiAl, a method for making NiAl matrix composites containing oxide ceramics is introduced. The method involves oxidation of NiAl powder in air to form a thin and uniform oxide scale, mainly Al2O3, on the NiAl particles. The Al2O3 contents increase with increasing oxidation temperature. The NiAl/Al2O3 composites are then formed by hot-pressing the oxidized NiAl powder under vacuum atmosphere. Al2O3 inhibits the grain growth of NiAl during the hot-pressing. The residual stress and the Ni-rich NiAl composition exist in the hot-pressed NiAl/Al2O3 composites. Strength and toughness data on NiAl/Al2O3 composites indicate that the use of oxidation of NiAl powder is a viable technique for improving these properties over that of monolithic NiAl.