Microstructural study of the aluminium/nickel aluminide interface formed in a hot-pressed in situ composite

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy methods were used to investigate a composite with an aluminium matrix reinforced with alumina and nickel aluminide particles, obtained from powder mixtures during unidirectional two-stage pressing under vacuum. At the interface between the particles and matrix, Al3Ni aluminide was identified, irrespective of the aluminide particle microstructure. An increase in oxygen concentration at the interface was found, compared to its concentration in the aluminium matrix.