Microstructure and mechanical properties of NdAlO3/Al2O3 nanocomposite

NdAlO3/Al2O3 nanocomposite was prepared by a coprecipitation method. It was found that the stabilizing effect of Nd2O3 on γ-Al2O3 rendered α-Al2O3 form at higher temperature than usual. NdAlO3/Al2O3 nanocomposite showed a much better sinterability than Al2O3, and the NdAlO3 was exclusively rhombohedral in the sintered samples. SEM observation verified that NdAlO3 strongly restricted Al2O3 grain growth when the NdAlO3 content was low, however, this effect decreased as the NdAlO3 content was increased to 20 vol.%. Significant improvements in the mechanical properties of Al2O3 were realized when it formed nanocomposite with an appropriate amount of NdAlO3.