Addition of Al-Ti-C master alloys and ZrO_2 to improve the performance of alumina matrix ceramic materials

摘要

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 ZrO_2 are introduced to Al_2O_3/Al-Ti-C composites. Composites of Al_2O_3/TiC/ZrO_2/AlN and Al_2O_3/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 N_2 (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 ZrO_2. Mechanical properties of the composites were determined and the microstructures were analyzed.