Nanoindentation measurements on infiltrated alumina–aluminide alloys

Abstract Metal–ceramic composites have been fabricated by reactive infiltration with a laboratory squeeze caster. Two types of these composites are characterised by nanoindentation. While the first one contains Al2O3, TiO2 and Al, the second one contains Al2O3, TiAl3 as the main products and a little Ti5Si3. The phases of the second specimen are formed during infiltration. Hardness and Young's modulus values in both composites were compared with measurements of the bulk material of each phase. A significant depth dependence of the properties was detected in the composite materials and simulated by a finite element analysis. The measured values agreed well with the simulation.