Effect of oxide dopants on densification, microstructure and mechanical properties of alumina-silicon carbide nanocomposite ceramics prepared by pressureless sintering

The densification behaviour, microstructural development and mechanical properties of a 5 vol.%, silicon carbide dispersed alumina nanocomposite were studied by incorporating six different oxide dopants (1 wt.%). It was found that MgO, Y2O3 and CeO2 enhanced the densification of the nanocomposite, which can be explained by a liquid phase assisted sintering process. The yttria-doped nanocomposite could be pressureless sintered at 1550 degreesC. Doping with MgO or CeO2 refines the grain size of the matrix alumina whereas yttria addition induces exaggerated grain growth. The Young's modulus, hardness, fracture toughness and erosive wear resistance were evaluated. Doped nanocomposites exhibit slightly lower Young's modulus and higher hardness values than that of the undoped nanocomposite. CeO2 doping improves hardness and fracture toughness slightly whereas the improvement in erosive wear resistance was 2.5 times higher than the other nanocomposites. Improvements in properties are explained in terms of residual compressive stresses, grain refinement and grain boundary strengthening. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.