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.