The role of interlayer gases and surface asperities in compression-induced intermetallic formation in Ni/Al nanocomposites† Reactive composites comprising alternating nano- or microscale layers of Ni and Al are known to undergo self-sustaining alloying reactions under compression loading, however the effect of infiltrated gas within the microstructure of such reactive nanolaminates—as well as the presence of asperities on the free surfaces of such composites—is not well understood.
