Surface nanocrystallization of Ni3Al by surface mechanical attrition treatment

In this paper, the possibility of surface nanocrystallization of Ni3Al intermetallic by surface mechanical attrition treatment was explored. The microstructure and hardness of treated sample were characterized through scanning electronic microscope, transmission electronic microscope, X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation examination. The results showed surface nanocrystallization was realized on Ni3Al intermetallic by surface mechanical attrition method. The nanocrystalline in top surface was about 10 nm and a deformed layer about 10–30 μm formed. Nanoindentation examination showed the nanohardness increased sharply to a maximum and then decreased in a narrow depth till to a stable level with the depth from treated surface. The maximum nanohardness of surface was near 12 GPa.