Characterization and machining of alumina ceramic reinforced with lanthanum phosphate

Increasing demand for materials for severe working environment necessitates the use of ceramics. Fiber/whisker reinforcement in the structure can lead to certain defects such as debonding/delamination. Hence one can resort to particulate reinforcements. Of late attempts have been made to introduce dispersion strengthened/particulate reinforced ceramic composites. Addition of lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4) and cerium phosphate (CePO4) to alumina (Al2O3) matrix has been attempted. In this study Al2O3/LaPO4 composites containing different LaPO4 content have been assessed for the significance of LaPO4 content on structure-property and consequent machinability. Ultrasonic drilling trials have been carried out. The response of the material to the machining environment has been assessed by monitoring the acoustic emission (AE) from the composites and defects induced during machining.