Effect of Repeated Additions of Silica Nanoparticles on the Physical Properties of Nickel

Abstract

Metals can be strengthened with different ceramic materials due to their weak crystalline structure. In the current work, nickel has been strengthened with silica nanoparticles (SiO₂) in volume ratios of (2,4,6,8,10) % to the base material of nickel metal (Ni%). Where powder metallurgy was used, and after mixing the specified volumetric proportions, these powders were ground for two hours with a homemade electric mixer, and then the powder was placed in a pressing mold with a diameter of 10 mm, and the pressing process was carried out by means of a hydraulic press at a pressure of (80 MPa) for one minute. The resulting samples were heat treated at (1100°C) for two hours. Some tests were conducted before and after the thermal sintering process, and it was found that the results are of distinguished experimental value after conducting the thermal treatments, as a real density of (8.26g/cm³) and a water absorption of (0.67%) were obtained. It was noticed that the best Brinell hardness (770 Kg/mm²), while the best compressive strength is (68MPa). As for the structural results, which included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction, they gave clear results for the prepared samples in terms of the cohesion and interdependence of the structural structure, as well as the properties of the material used for reinforcement. And its pervasiveness through the surface of the nickel base material.