Effect of Sintering Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al2O3-TiC-ZrO2 Ceramic Composites

Al₂O₃-TiC-ZrO₂ ceramic composites (ATZ) were fabricated by hot-pressed sintering. The phases and microstructure of the composites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The relative density and mechanical properties (flexural strength, fracture toughness and Vicker’s hardness) of the composites were tested. The results show that the microstructure of the composites was the gray core-white rim. With the increase of sintering temperature, the relative density and mechanical properties of the composites increased first and then decreased. The composite sintered at 1705℃ has the highest synthetical properties, and its relative density, flexural strength, fracture toughness and Vickers hardness are 98.3%,970MPa,6.0 MPa•m^1/2 and 20.5GPa, respectively.