Preparation of ceramic matrix nanocomposites using Ni-Co coated Al2O3 nanoparticles

New classes of advanced ceramic matrix nanocomposites based on Ni-Co coated Al2O3 nano particles,are introduced in this article. This kind of nanocomposites can be used as the catalysts, electromagnetic wave absorbing materials, contactors, switches and etc, because of their excellent properties such as good electrical and thermal conductivities and excellent corrosion and wear resistance. Al2O3–Ni-Co nanocomposite powders were fabricated by Electroless plating of Ni-Co on Al2O3 particles. Bulk samples of nanocomposites were prepared under subsequent cold pressing and sintering processes of thepowders. The results shows that, by growing of copper on the surface of the cu nucleies, by electroless deposition, a continuous Ni-Co shell within about 20nm thickness are formed around the Al2O3. Uniaxially cold pressure of 400Mpa and sintering at 1200°C leads to the formation of dense and uniform distributed nanocomposite samples.

Keywords:

Nano Al2O3 particles , Electroless plating , Composite powder , Sintering