Fabrication of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Al composites by reactive melt infiltration

An interpenetrating phase composite (IPC) is a multiphase material in which each phase is topologically interconnected throughout the microstructure. This unique structure provides several mechanical and electrical property advantages to the IPC material against traditional composites with isolated phases. In the present study, near-net-shape Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Al composites containing a small amount of silicon metal were fabricated by infiltrating aluminum into Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particle preforms with the aid of borosilicate glass. This process was conducted under oxygen atmosphere at ambient pressure (1 atm) using a conventional furnace. The growth rate and the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by changing the processing factors.