Synthesis of Al-ZrAl3 nanostructured composites by a colloidal processing route: Mechanical properties by small punch test

This work describes a new method to obtain Al-Zr intermetallic nanostructured materials by using a colloidal processing technique. The combination of Al powders and zirconium IV-prepoxide (C12H28O4Zr) under controlled conditions results in a metal matrix composite with a homogeneous dispersion of intermetallics. Synthesis was carried out in a tubular furnace under argon and by hot pressing under the same atmospheric conditions. XDR and SEM were used to identify the intermetallic nanoparticles. The Vickers hardness of the Al-ZrAl3 nanocomposites and the mechanical behaviour by small punch test were studied.