Physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of nanostructured materials

Nanocrystalline materials have special physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. To a significant extent, these properties are attributed to a high density of grain boundaries and other defects in nanocrystalline compounds. We study the microstructure and mechanical properties of nanomaterials (Al, Al-alloys, Cu, Ni, Ti, and stainless steel) and nanocomposites (Al2O3/Ni-P) by the methods of transparent and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and microhardness and tensile tests. The experimental methods include the procedures of measuring the electric and corrosion resistances. The materials are prepared by using contemporary methods, namely, by hydrostatic extrusion (nanometals) and by sintering ceramic powders covered with Ni-P nanoparticles under high pressure by using the procedure of nonelectric chemical metallization (Al2O3/Ni-P nanocomposites).