Thermo-mechanical properties of mullite/zirconia reinforced alumina ceramic composites

Alumina-mullite-zirconia ceramic composites were prepared by reaction bonding of alumina and zircon mixtures after firing at different temperatures 1300 degrees, 1400 degrees and 1500 degrees C. Constant amount of magnesia was added as a sintering aid. The technological parameters of the sintered ceramic composites, i.e. the mechanical properties and densification parameter as well as thermal shock resistance, have been investigated. The phase compositions and microstructure of the sintered ceramic composites were detected by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that alumina-mullite-zirconia ceramic composites fired at 1500 degrees C for 2 h were achieved a good densification parameters and mechanical properties as well as excellent thermal shock resistance. In addition, these ceramic composites were showed enhancement in Vickers' microhardness and fracture toughness values. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.