Abstract
The microstructure, density, transverse-rupture strength (TRS), etc. of Al2O3-SiC ceramics prepared by hot-pressing at 2123 K have been studied. Here, the particle size of two sorts of starting powders, that is, Al2O3 and SiC powders were widely varied in the range of 0.3-3.0μm.
It was found that the strength of Al2O3-SiC ceramics was strongly affected by the microstructural defects acting as fracture sources. It was also found that the Al2O3-(25-30) vol% SiC ceramics, when the required microstructure was obtained by means of a suitable combination of particle size of starting powders, showed a very excellent TRS as high as about 1GPa or more. The strengthening mechanism of Al2O3-SiC ceramics as above mentioned was discussed in detail.
