Abstract

Submicrometer Al2O3 composites with more than 20 vol.% of SiC particles were produced using a multiple infiltration of porous bodies with a liquid polymer SiC precursor. The fully dense composites were successfully densified using a sinter-HIP process. Parameters of sintering and HIP steps are discussed with respect to both densification and microstructure evolution of the composites. The initial pressure during the sintering step plays an important role for the preparation of fully dense composites with a submicrometer alumina matrix at 1750 degrees C. Optimized densification schedule of sinter-HIP represents a novel approach of densification at relatively mild conditions compared to previously reported or common densification methods of Al2O3-SiC composites with high SiC content, such as pressureless sintering, hot pressing and post-HIPing. The method expands the possibilities for preparation of alumina based composites with SiC volume fraction >20 vol.%, filling the gap in available literature data. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.