An effect of some parameters of the reinforcement phase on the properties of alumina matrix composites

Abstract This study studied the influence of some parameters of reinforcement phase, such as the volume fraction and grain size, on the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of alumina matrix composite. The samples of the silica-alumina composite were prepared by powder metallurgy method, which was carried out by adding 0, 14, and 27 %vol of silica to alumina as a reinforcement phase. The particle size averages of silica were 19.37 μm and 129.4 μm. The bulk density, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, hardness, compressive strength, SEM for microstructure, and XRD analysis for the samples were tested. The results of tests for the produced samples showed that increasing the volume fraction to a certain limit and using the fine particle size for the reinforcement phase improve the physical and mechanical properties of the alumina matrix composite outstandingly and achieve the best densification for the samples.