Effect of TiN nanoparticles on the grain size, wear resistance, and strength of the intermetallic compound Ni3Al

We have studied the effect of TiN nanoparticles as crystallization centers for the intermetallic compound Ni3Al on the grain size of Ni3Al synthesized under pressure using a stoichiometric elemental powder mixture. The results demonstrate that the addition of 0.3–0.7 wt % TiN nanoparticles to a starting mixture of nickel and aluminum powders reduces the average grain size of the synthesized intermetallic compound and raises its wear resistance and tensile strength in the temperature range from 20 to 1000°C.