Nanocrystalline materials are stronger, tougher, denser, and more easily fabricated than conventional large grain materials. They also offer increased strength/corrosion resistance/ electrical conductivity besides significantly improved ductility and hardness. They can be sintered and hot pressed to theoretical density at lower temperatures and are hence desired in numerous structural applications. In this Phase I effort, MMI will use the pulsed reactive electrode (PRE) technique that has been developed by MMI to form nanocrystalline powders (5 - 100 nm). The powders can be separated using standard centrifuge methods and washed to remove any organic ingredients. The technique has the possibility to produce unique compositions of nanocomposites in large quantities (1-5 kg/hr) that cannot be produced by any of the other currently available methods such as sputtering, laser ablation or evaporation. The nanopowders will be rapidly compacted using a novel technique that produces near theoretical density and retains the original grain size. We will demonstrate greatly improved mechanical properties for eventual use in elevated temperature applications.
