Interpenetrating Al2O3-TiAl3 alloys produced by reactive infiltration

Dense alumina-TiAl3 composites with interpenetrating networks were fabricated by reactive gas-pressure infiltration and squeeze casting of Al into sintered porous preforms containing 30 vol% TiO2 and 70 vol% Al2O3. Strength of up to about 543 MPa with corresponding fracture toughness of 8.6 MPa.m1/2 and hardness 565 were obtained. The processing parameters such as particle size of oxide precursor and preform porosity which control microstructural development and mechanical properties of the composites are discussed. 16 refs.