The influence of the preparation method on the microstructure and properties of Al2O3/TiN nanocomposites

Abstract Al 2 O 3 /TiN nanocomposites were fabricated by hot pressing of powders prepared through ball milling (BM) and in-situ nitridation (PN) methods, respectively. And the mechanical and electrical properties as well as microstructure of the nanocomposites were studied. It was found that TiN showed a strong reinforcing effect in both materials. Due to the difference in the powder preparation method, the Al 2 O 3 /TiN nanocomposite from PN powder showed a finer TiN particle size and a more uniform microstructure than the nanocomposite from BM powder. As a result, the former material showed a superior electrical conducting behavior and better mechanical properties.