Effect of MgO-Y₂O₃ Powders and Sintering Temperature on Properties of Al₂O₃-TiC Composites

Abstract

Al₂O₃-30%TiC composites doped with 0.5%MgO and 0.3-1.0% Y₂O₃ additives are pressureless-sintered at different conditions such as temperatures, soaking times, and heating rates under an argon atmosphere. The physical, mechanical properties, and cutting performance of sintered composites were compared with commercial one. In this work, the Al₂O₃-30%TiC composites doped with 0.5%MgO and 0.3%Y₂O₃ sintered at 1800°C obtained highest density of 97% of theoretical and flexural strength of 343 MPa. In addition, the cutting performance of the Al₂O₃-30%TiC-0.5%MgO-0.3%Y₂O₃ sintered at 1800°C was comparable with the commercial cutting tool.