Microstructure and properties of alumina-silicon carbide nanocomposites fabricated by pressureless sintering and post hot-isostatic pressing

Al₂O₃/5%SiC nanocomposites were fabricated by pressureless sintering using MgO as a sintering aid and then post hot-isostatic pressed (HIP), which can subsequently break through the disadvantage of hot-pressing process. The MgO additive was able to promote the densification of the composites, but could not induce the grain growth of Al₂O₃ matrix due to the grain growth inhibition by nano-sized SiC particles. After HIP treatment, Al₂O₃/SiC nanocomposites achieved full densification and homogeneous distribution of nano-sized SiC particles. Moreover, the fracture morphology of HIP treated specimens was identical with that of the hot-pressed Al₂O₃/SiC nanocomposites showing complete transgranular fracture. Consequently, high fracture strength of 1 GPa was achieved for the Al₂O₃/5%SiC nanocomposites by pressureless sintering and post HIP process.