Crack Disappearance by High-Temperature Oxidation of Alumina Toughened by Ni Nano-Particles

Abstract

Crack disappearance by high-temperature oxidation was studied in alumina (Al2O3) composites toughened by Ni nanoparticles. This process is performed in air at temperature ranging from 1000 to 1300°C for 1 to 48 h. The results showed that crack disappearance depends on both annealing temperature and time. Complete crack disappearance in this composite was confirmed at lower temperatures for long oxidation period, 1100oC for 48 h, and higher temperature for shorter time, 1300oC for 1 h in air. The crack disappearance mechanism was explained on the basis of the formation of NiAl2O4 spinel on sample surfaces produced by the oxidation reaction during the heat treatment.