Synthesis and characterization of reinforced alumina composites

Alumina composite was prepared via simple route. Alumina ceramics that resembels seashells are made of aligned micron-sized monocrystalline platelets joined together by silica secondary phase. SiO2 was added to improve mechanical properties of composite. The evolution of the phase composition during thermal treatment was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and thermal analyses. Effect of sintering temperature on mechanical properties, due to the increase of sintering temperature that can produce a higher strength and higher density, was also investigated. SEM observation of composite was also included. Ceramics composites such as this are good candidates for high temperature oxidation atmosphere applications, as they have excellent mechanical and other performance requirements.