Nanostructured Al-ZrAl3 materials consolidated via spark plasma sintering: Evaluation of their mechanical properties

► A surface modification of aluminium powders was carried out by means of a colloidal process. ► These powders were consolidated and sintered by spark plasma sintering. ► Regarding the dwell time at the sintering temperature (625 °C), ZrAl3 intermetallic crystallizes. ► The mechanical behaviour of this reinforcement was evaluated by Small Punch Test.