Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of the second phase on Al2O3 matrix, SiC whisker was dispersed in Al2O3 matrix as a second phase over the content range of 5vol% to 20vol%. To this mixture, Y2O3 or TiO2 powder was added as a sintering additive before isostatically pressing and pressureless sintering at 1800-190$0^{\circ}C$ for 90min in N2 atmosphere. With increasing SiC whisker content, relative densities of composites were decreased and the grain growth of Al2O3 was restricted. When Y2O3 was added as a sintering aid the sintering temperature was 180$0^{\circ}C$, the maximum values of flexural strength, hardness and fracture toughness were 537MPa, 12.1GPa, 3.7MPa.m1/2, respectively. However, when the sintering temperature was elevated to 190$0^{\circ}C$, maximum values of flexural strength, hardness and fracture toughness were 453MPa, 17.5GPa, 4.9MPa.m1/2, respectively. Improved mechanical properties are assumed to be attributed to the crack deflection by the second phase SiC whisker and whisker pullout mechanism.