This paper is an attempt to develop an innovative high strength and ductile Ni/Ni3Al/Ni multilayer composite, using spark plasma sintering (SPS). Ni 3 Al powders were first synthesized by mechanical alloying of elemental pure Ni and Al powders. The synthesized intermetallic powders were then mixed with Ni powders in a way that a Ni/Ni 3 Al/Ni multilayer composite can be achieved. Scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), microhardness, and shear punch tests were used to characterize microstructure and mechanical properties of the synthesized composite. Results show that a rather sharp interface with a perfect metallurgical bonding has formed at the Ni/Ni 3 Al joint. The synthesized multilayer composite has a perfect combination of strength and ductility. The maximum shear strength of Ni/Ni 3 Al/Ni multi-layer composite is significantly higher than that of Ni 3 Al, while its ductility is comparable to that of pure Ni.

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