Sintering and some problems of composite materials in the Al₂O₃-Al₂TiO₅ system

Conclusions

The sintering, mechanical, and thermophysical characteristics of composites of Al₂O₃ and Al₂TiO₅ and the connection between these parameters and the microstructure and thermal-shock resistance have been studied. Extremal properties have been found in the compositions containing 30–50% of Al₂TiO₅. The excellent thermal-shock resistance of the composites is the result of the fragmentary structure which increases the destructive energy of the specimen under thermal-shock. The anomalous increase in the high-temperature ultimate strength of the composites containing 30–50% of Al₂TiO₅ in the 20–1200°C is demonstrated; this is the result of the separation of the decomposition products of Al₂TiO₅ along the crystal boundaries of the refractory base and of the elastic-stressed state which arises.