Mechanochemical synthesis of iron-alumina (75 vol%) nanocermets

Nanocomposites -Al₂O₃-Fe containing 75 vol% Al₂O₃ have been obtained by reaction milling, in a vibratory ball mill, a stoichiometric excess of alumina with aluminum and hematite. The kinetics of synthesis of the nanocomposite has been studied for milling times between 15min. and 8h. The reduction reaction is completed in about 2h with formation of -Al₂O₃, iron, hercynite (FeAl₂O₄) and clusters of Fe in alumina. The reaction rate appears moderated by the alumina excess.