Abstract
Alumina composites reinforced with SiC whiskers only or combinded with TiC particles were prepared by hot-pressing at 1850$^{\circ}C$ for 1h. The mechanical properties and microstructures of composites were investigated in this study. By of addition either 20 vol% SiC whiskers or 20 vol% TiC particles, the flexural strength fo alumina was increased from 360 MPa to 650 MPa or 730 MPa, respectively, and the KIC was also increased from 3.5 MPa$.$m1/2 to 5.5MPa$.$m1/2 or 4.4MPa$.$m1/2, respectively. In the case of composites with 20 vol% SiC whiskers and 2 vol% TiC particles. The flexural strength and KIC showed relatively high value of 800 MPa and 5.3MPa$.$m1/2, respectively. The improvement of mechanical properties was considered to be due to both the smaller average grain size and the crack deflection.