Manufacturing of Al2O3/Ni/Ti Composites Enhanced by Intermetallic Phases

Abstract

In this study, ceramic–metal composites in the Al2O3/Ti/Ni system were fabricated using the slip casting method. Two series of composites with 15 vol.% metal content and different solid phase contents were obtained and examined. A proper fabrication process allows obtaining composites enhanced by intermetallic phases. The microstructure of the base powders, slurries, and sintered composites was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Analysis of the sedimentation tendency of slurries was carried out. The phase composition of the sintered samples was examined by X-ray diffraction analysis. A monotonic compression test was used to investigate the mechanical properties of the composites. A fractography investigation was also carried out. The research conducted revealed that the slip casting method allows the obtaining of composites enhanced by intermetallic phases (TiNi, Ni3Ti). The results show the correlation between solid-phase content, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the composites.

Properties of Al2O3/Ti/Ni Composite Obtained by Slip Casting with Different Metal Phase Content

“…This paper presents the results of research on the preparation of an Al 2 O 3 /Ni/Ti composite reinforced with intermetallic phases with a different proportion of the metallic phase, amounting to 5, 10 and 15% (the ratio of metallic components 1:1) and the solid phase content equal to 50% vol. The use of a finer metal powder allowed for a significant increase in the share of intermetallic phases in relation to the previous studies [ 29 ]. The first stage of work focused on characterizing the starting materials.…”

“…In the formation of Ni-Ti intermetallic compounds, the NiTi 2 phase should be avoided due to its low mechanical properties often causing a failure in its layer [ 28 ]. The paper is a continuation of research previously published in paper [ 29 ], in which the influence of different solid phase content (35%, 50%) on microstructure, mechanical properties, and possibilities of manufacturing of Al 2 O 3 /Ti/Ni composites with intermetallic phases was investigated. In all previously investigated composites 15% vol metallic phase content was constant.…”

“…In all previously investigated composites 15% vol metallic phase content was constant. Previous studies have shown that the use of a mixture of metallic nickel and titanium powders in the production of the Al 2 O 3 matrix enables the production of NiTi and Ni 3 Ti intermetallic compounds, significantly increasing the strength parameters of the composite [ 29 ]. The process of obtaining such a composite can be successfully carried out by slip casting and sintering [ 30 ].…”

Characterization of Al2O3 Matrix Composites Fabricated via the Slip Casting Method Using NiAl-Al2O3 Composite Powder

“…It is possible to form complex shapes. An important advantage is also the possibility of producing ceramic matrix composites with the addition of a metal or intermetallic phase [19].…”