PRODUCTION OF Al_2O_3-Ti_3Al CERMETS BY THE PRESSURELESS REACTION SINTERING PROCESS

摘要

Dense Al_2O_3-aluminum intermetallic cermets with interpenetrating networks have been fabricated by a pressureless reaction sintering process. Compacts of intensively ball milled TiO_2 + Al_2O_3 + Al powder mixtures are heat treated in an inert atmosphere such that the vigorous exothermic reaction between TiO_2 and Al takes place in a controlled manner essentially at temperatures below the melting point of Al. Dense and homogeneous microstructures were obtained with an Al_2O_3 matrix and a Ti_xAl_y intermetallics reinforcement. The present paper discusses processing details for the obtention of the mentioned cermet.