Characterization of the metal particles fraction in ceramic matrix composites fabricated under high pressure

This paper presents preliminary results concerning Al₂O₃–Ni composites fabricated by sintering under a high pressure of 7.7 GPa, at a temperature below the melting temperature of nickel. The microstructure of composites was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative measurements of size, shape and distribution of metal particles were based on image analysis.

A correlation between the size of the Ni particles and their location has been found. Small Ni particles, with a grain size in the range of 50–500 nm, are mostly located inside the ceramic grains. Some Ni particles are also situated at the grain boundaries, and large particles are surrounded by ceramic grains. The shape of the ceramic grains suggests that the ceramic powder particles underwent deformation during the process of consolidation under high pressure.