Strengthening of Porous Alumina by Pulse Electric Current Sintering and Nanocomposite Processing

Abstract

Porous Al 2 O 3 and SiC–dispersed‐Al 2 O 3 (Al 2 O 3 /SiC) nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties were fabricated using pulse electric current sintering (PECS). Microstructures with fine grains and enhanced neck growth, as well as high fracture strength, could be achieved via PECS of Al 2 O 3 . The incorporation of fine SiC particles into an Al 2 O 3 matrix significantly increased the fracture strength of porous Al 2 O 3 . Based on microstructural observations, it was revealed that the refinement of Al 2 O 3 grains and neck growth occurred by PECS and nanocomposite processing.