Alumina-Based Composites Reinforced With Silver Particles

Abstract

Al2O3/Ag composite ceramics were fabricated by the use of mechanical milling and pressureless sintering. Al2O3 + 10 wt.% Ag were mixed and milled during 12 h at 300 rpm in a horizontal mill, then with the powder mixture it was conformed cylindrical samples by uniaxial pressing using 300 MPa. The pressed samples were sintered during 1 h in an electrical furnace at 1300, 1400 and 1500°C respectively. Sinter was performed using an argon atmosphere inside the furnace in order to inhibit silver oxidation. XRD results established that silver retains its crystalline structure. On the other hand, density of samples is better with increments in temperature. However, the final relative density is small and about of 91%. Scanning electron microscopy observations show alumina’s microstructure with very fine and homogeneous distributions of silver particles. Increments in sintering temperature are reflected as enhancements of the density and consequently of the fracture toughness of the Al2O3/Ag composite ceramics.