Microstructures and mechanical properties of Al2O3/ZrO2 composite produced by combustion synthesis

By adding ZrO2 (3Y) micron powder into a thermit, Al2O3 matrix ceramics reinforced by ZrO2 nano-micron fibers have been fabricated from the melts produced by combustion synthesis. Flexural strength and fracture toughness of the ceramics measured 1268 MPa and 12.6 MPa · m0.5, respectively.