Abstract
High density Al2O3/TiC composites were fabricated by a conventional hot-pressing of mixtures of Al2O3 and TiC powders at 1700-1900°C in Ar atmosphere. Transmission electron microscopic observations revealed that TiC particles were dispersed not only at grain boundaries but also within Al2O3 matrix grains. The mechanical properties of these composites were considerably improved by dispersed TiC particles. The fracture toughness of these composites increased from 4MPam1/2 to 6MPam1/2 and the fracture strength also increased from 550MPa to 1100MPa. The effect of TiC dispersions in Al2O3 grains on the mechanicai properties such as strength, toughness and hardness were discussed.
