Effect of Milling Time on TixAly/Al2O3 Ceramic Matrix Nanocomposite Synthesis Using the Mechanochemical Method

In recent years، much research has been performed in the field of nanomaterials synthesis using mechanochemical process. In this research، TixAly/Al2O3 ceramic matrix nanocomposite was produced by the mechanochemical method. Aluminum and inexpensive titanium oxide powders were used as raw materials، and milling was performed under N2 atmosphere. The results showed that reduction of TiO2 by Al is the first step of synthesis process، and then Ti reacts with residual Al. The synthesis after 10 hours of milling resulted in titanium aluminide and aluminium oxide. With the increase of milling time to 80 hours، titanium aluminide quantity was increased. Also، the results showed that the heating of samples containing titanium aluminide in the argon and nitrogen atmospheres does not lead to complete decomposition of aluminides.