Development and characterization of a novel Y-Ti-O based aluminum nano-composite processed by high energy ball-milling and spark plasma sintering

Abstract

The present work reports synthesis and characterization of bulk Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 ‑aluminum nano-composites processed by high energy ball-milling followed by spark plasma sintering. Y-Ti-O based particles were synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) a 1:2 stoichiometric mixture of Yttrium Oxide (Y 2 O 3 ) and Titanium Oxide (TiO 2 ), and further calcinating the ball-milled mixture at different temperatures. The calcinated powder was further ball-milled for different durations to fabricate the nanoparticles. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of stable Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 . The XRD and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of ball-milled powder reveal crystallite size and particle size of 5 nm and 30 nm, respectively. The XRD data indicates that prolonged ball-milling duration does not deteriorate the structural integrity of the Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 phase. The nano-dispersoids were reinforced in aluminum matrix to obtain dispersion strengthening. The compressive yield strength increased from 60 to 390 MPa by introducing 1 Wt% Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 . • Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 pyrochlore phase was successfully synthesized by ball milling & calcination. • Further ball-milling of calcinated powder has produced Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 nanoparticles of 30 nm. • Prolonged ball milling does not destabilize structural integrity of pyrochlore phase. • Seven times increase in yield strength is observed in Al-Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 nanocomposite.