Effect of Ni addition on the preparation of Al2O3–TiB2 composites using high-energy ball milling

Al2O3–TiB2 composites were synthesized using high-energy ball milling from starting powders containing Al, TiO2, and B2O3. To explore the effect of the addition of another ductile metallic phase during milling, 15 wt.% Ni was added to a sample of the starting powders. The phase transformations and microstructure of the milled powder mixtures were investigated using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The results showed that the Ni addition facilitated the mechanochemical reaction between the Al, TiO2, and B2O3. Before the appearance of the Al2O3–TiB2 composite, the intermediate product NiAl was formed by a gradual exothermic reaction. With continued milling, the final phases of Al2O3–TiB2 and Ni were obtained.