Characterization of nickel titanate synthesized by sol–gel processing

Abstract Previous studies indicated that oxides of titanium and nickel might be effective solid lubricants. In the current work, we synthesized a range of titanium and nickel oxides including nickel titanate (NiTiO3) via wet-chemical processing. Coatings and powders made from the sol–gel-derived precursor solutions were characterized by X-ray diffraction, ellipsometry, and pin-on-disk tests. Nickel titanate monoliths were also made by traditional powder processing and characterized by X-ray diffraction, ellipsometry, dilatometry and micro-hardness measurements. These data assisted the characterization of the sol–gel-derived materials. Nickel titanate proved to be a stable oxide at elevated temperatures and exhibited lubricity under certain conditions.