The influence of zirconium additives on the structure and properties of nickel aluminide, obtained by the SPS method

This article presents the results of a study of the effect of the zirconium content on the structure and mechanical properties of the polycrystalline intermetallic compound Ni3Al obtained by spark plasma sintering of a powder mixture. The mixtures based on nickel, aluminum, and zirconium powders were used for the manufacture of samples for sintering. Three compositions were prepared with varying zirconium concentrations (0.1 wt.%, 1 wt.% and 5 wt.%). It was found that the relative density of sintered materials of all three compositions is 97%. The predominant homogeneity of the structure of sintered material was established during metallographic studies. An analysis of the results of strength tests of sintered materials indicates a positive effect of zirconium on the bending strength of the nickel aluminide, with a concentration of zirconium in the alloy equal to 1 wt.%.