Improved mechanical properties of Al2O3 ceramic by in-suit generated Ti3SiC2 and TiC via hot pressing sintering

Al2O3 multi-phase composites with different volume fractions of SiC varying from 0 vol% to 30.0 vol% were fabricated by vacuum hot pressing sintering at 1600 °C under the pressure of 30 MPa for 2.0 h. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of SiC content on the morphology and mechanical properties of the Al2O3 multi-phase composite. The results show that the addition of SiC and Ti can produce new strengthening and reinforcing phases include Ti3SiC2, TiC, Ti5Si3, which would hamper the migration of grain boundaries and promote sintering. The mechanical performances could reach the comprehensive optimal values for 20.0 vol% SiC, delamination and transgranular fracture being the major crack propagation energy dissipation mechanisms.