Characterization of the alumina oxide, copper and nickel powders and their processing intended for fabrication of the novel hybrid composite: A comparative study

The aim of this study was the fabrication and characterization of the novel hybrid composite from the Al2O3/Cu/Ni system. The research included the production of composite specimens by uniaxial pressing and their further sintering. The influence of the ceramic and metallic powders and their sintering temperature on the microstructure of composites was investigated. The firing process was conducted in reducing the atmosphere at three different temperatures, selected on the basis of the copper‐nickel phase diagram: 1100 °C, 1260 °C, 1400 °C. Reference samples of Al2O3/Cu were also produced in the same way for comparative purposes. The addition of the third component, which together with copper will form a Ni−Cu solid solution, was intended to improve the wettability of ceramic matrix through a liquid metallic phase, and thus to reduce the phenomenon of the liquid metal flow on samples surface during sintering. However, it had an impact on physical and mechanical properties.