Small-Angle Neutron Scattering characterization of Al2O3/Ni-P nanocomposites

The results of a Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) study are presented, aimed at the investigation of size and morphological characteristics of metallic particles in hot pressed Al2O3/Ni-P nanocomposites. The Ni-P nanoparticles were deposited onto the alumina powder by an electroless plating method and, after drying, the plated powder was sintered at various temperatures (room temperature, 600 °C, 800 °C, 1000 °C) via a hot-pressing method under high pressure (7 GPa). The Ni-P nanoparticle size and fractal dimension were determined, as functions of the sintering temperature. In agreement with previous observations by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and as a result of the sintering temperature, the present study shows an increase in the Ni-P particle size. The surface fractal dimension decreases with the increasing sintering temperature, showing the formation of particles with a sharper interface.