Structural and mechanical properties of graded composite Al2O3/Ni obtained from slurry of different solid content

In this work, an alumina-nickel graded hollow cylinders were prepared by the centrifugal slip casting. In the paper, the results for samples formed from slurries with different solid content: 45 vol.%, 40 vol.% and 35 vol.% are presented. The structure of the samples after sintering was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructure of the composite, especially the nickel particle size distributions were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An image analyzer has been used for the measurement of volume fraction of the nickel particles in the composites. The hardness was measured by using a Vickers hardness-testing. Based on hardness measurements KIC value were determined. The XRD results confirmed only two phases: Ni and α-Al2O3 in all samples. The preliminary macroscopic observation as well as SEM showed, that the microstructure of the sample cross-section is not homogeneous. Microstructural characterization revealed the gradation of nickel content along the radial direction of hollow cylinder. Three zones were distinguished, from outer surface towards the inner side of the tube. The maximum of volume fraction of nickel particles was obtained at the middle zone of the composites. The results of hardness-testing revealed that the maximum hardness values were observed in region at the inner edge of the casting due to an absence of nickel particles.