Geometrical model to evaluate the lower boundary of nanoparticle size in ceramic/metal nanocomposites produced by thermolysis

Ceramic/metal nanocomposite data reveals patterns which suggest that geometry plays an important role when sintering nanocomposites and gives information about the obtainable particle size of the second phase nanoparticles regardless of sintering method. Data suggests that matrix particle size plays the key role governing the lower boundary of obtainable second phase nanoparticles. Literature data of inter-type Al₂O₃/Ni nanocomposites were evaluated based on the model and results were found to be consistent. Data available is limited and in the future more information on different material combinations is needed to confirm the geometrical hypothesis. If proven successful, the model will broaden the tools available to study the processing of ceramic/metal nanocomposites. (author)