Corrosion of a unidirectionally solidified Al2O3/YAG eutectic composite in a combustion environment

Owing to their remarkable higher creep resistance, some oxides eutectic composites those fabricated by unidirectional solidification are prime candidates for structural components used in a severe corrosive environment at high temperatures. In this paper, the possibility of an Al2O3/YAG eutectic composite for high-temperature application, where the materials would be exposed to combustion gases, was investigated. The Al2O3/YAG eutectic composite was stable at 1700 °C in an atmosphere of oxygen/water vapor (O2/H2O), showing only slight changes in microstructure, volume and flexural strength after an exposure for 200 h. Thus, Al2O3/YAG eutectic composite is among the most promising ceramics for structural applications at high temperatures.