Small-Angle Neutron Scattering characterization of Al2O3/Ni–P nanocomposites

The results of a Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) study are presented, aimed at the investigation of size and morphological characteristics of metallic particles in hot pressed Al2O3/Ni–P nanocomposites. The Ni–P nanoparticles were deposited onto the alumina powder by an electroless plating method and, after drying, the plated powder was sintered at various temperatures (room temperature, 600 °C, 800 °C, 1000 °C) via a hot-pressing method under high pressure (7 GPa). The Ni–P nanoparticle size and fractal dimension were determined, as functions of the sintering temperature. In agreement with previous observations by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and as a result of the sintering temperature, the present study shows an increase in the Ni–P particle size. The surface fractal dimension decreases with the increasing sintering temperature, showing the formation of particles with a sharper interface.