Rapid consolidation of nanocrystalline 3Ni-Al2O3 composite from mechanically synthesized powders by high frequency induction heated sintering

Nanopowders of Ni and Al2O3 were synthesized from 3NiO and 2Al powders by high energy ball milling. Nanocrystalline Al2O3 reinforced composite was consolidated by high frequency induction heated sintering method within 2 min from mechanically synthesized powders of Al2O3 and 3Ni. The relative density of the composite was 96%. The average hardness and fracture toughness values obtained were 645 kg/mm2 and 6.3 MPa m1/2, respectively.