Solution combustion synthesis of Mg-TiC@NiO nanocomposite and investigation on its metallurgical and biological properties

Abstract

Using Nickel(II) Nitrate Hexahydrate as oxidant and glycine as fuel, a simple combustion technique and magnesiothermic reduction were used for the first time to synthesize Mg-TiC@NiO nanocomposite powders. Various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, compression strength, and hardness study were used to investigate the effects of mechanical allying and combustion conditions on structural, microstructural, physical, and mechanical properties. The starting powder mixture (Mg, TiO2, and nanocarbon powders) was milled at room temperature using a high-energy planetary ball mill with a vial rotation speed of 360 rpm. The process was conducted using a milling container atmosphere of Argon for 20 h, 50 h, 60 h, and 70 h. After 60 h of milling, the desired phase of TiC along with Mg peaks appeared and no unreacted quantities of raw materials remained. The hardness of Mg-TiC metal matrix nanocomposite ball-milled for 60 h shows a 42.37% increase in hardness as compared to pure magnesium. The presence of TiC particles inhibits dislocation motion and increases the hardness of the Mg matrix composite. As a result of the solution combustion synthesis, a thin layer of nickel oxide was deposited on the synthesized Mg-TiC composite, which has a high resistance to corrosion in various aqueous and dry environments. In this study, the presence of the NiO layer has shown to have significant inhibitory against pathogenic bacterial strains which will demonstrate further in the manuscript. This thin layer of nickel oxide was found to be the best suitable for biomedical applications since it has substantial antibacterial characteristics.