Microstructure of alumina-matrix composites reinforced with nanometric titanium and titanium carbide dispersions

The synthesis of alumina (Al2O3)-composites having different amount of very fine titanium and titanium carbide reinforcement-particles has been explored. Two experimental steps have been set for the synthesis; the first step consisted of the pressureless-sintering of Al2O3-titanium powders which were thoroughly mixed under high energy ball-milling and through the second step it was induced the formation of titanium carbide during different times at 500 ºC by the cementation packing process. SEM and EDS analysis of the microstructures obtained in both sintered and cemented bodies were performe...