High‐Pressure Self‐Combustion Sintering of Alumina‐Titanium Carbide Ceramic Composite

Abstract

Al 2 O 3 ‐TiC ceramic composites were fabricated by highpressure self‐combustion sintering (HPCS). The samples had a unique microstructure which was quite different from that of commercial Al 2 O 3 ‐TiC materials made by conventional processing. A possible mechanism for combustion reaction is suggested on the basis of the microstructure of the samples and the thermodynamical data. The HPCS sample had a higher K IC value than commercial Al 2 O 3 ‐TiC materials.