Addition of Al–Ti–C master alloys and ZrO2 to improve the performance of alumina matrix ceramic materials

A new technique to toughen alumina matrix ceramics is presented, in which Al and TiC are incorporated into the matrix ceramic in the form of Al–Ti–C master alloys, meanwhile ZrO2 are introduced to Al2O3/Al–Ti–C composites. Composites of Al2O3/TiC/ZrO2/AlN and Al2O3/TiC/AlN were fabricated by the technology of transient liquid phase sintering, during which new AlN phase was produced by the chemical reactions taking place between Al and N2 (the protection atmosphere). The toughening effect of Al–Ti–C master alloys on alumina matrix ceramics was researched along with the influence of combination of Al–Ti–C master alloys and ZrO2. Mechanical properties of the composites were determined and the microstructures were analyzed.