Mechanical and tribological properties of Fe/Cr–FeAl2O4–Al2O3 nano/micro hybrid composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Fe/Cr–Al2O3 nanocomposite powders are prepared by H2 selective reduction of oxide solid solutions. These powders, an alumina powder and a starting oxide powder, are sintered by spark plasma sintering. The microstructure of the resulting materials is studied. The composites show a lower microhardness and higher fracture strength than unreinforced alumina. The friction coefficient against an alumina ball is lower, revealing the role of the intergranular metal particles, whereas FeAl2O4 grains formed during SPS are beneficial for higher cycle numbers.