INTERFACIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AL2O3-NI COMPOSITES

In the present study, the interfacial structure of nickel particle-rei nforced alumina composites prepared by a gas reduction process and by reactive sintering is examined by analytical electron microscopy. Amor phous carbon films at the interface and graphite inclusions within the nickel inclusions can be found in products from gas reduction and fro m reaction sintering, respectively. The microstructural variation resu lts in different amounts of toughness enhancement. Possible explanatio ns for the resulting microstructure and toughness differences are prop osed.