Colloidal processing of Al2O3-based composites reinforced with TiN and TiC particulates, whiskers and nanoparticles

A colloidal processing route has been developed for the preparation of dense and homogeneous Al2O3–TiN/TiC composites. The dispersion and rheological properties of mixtures of TiN or TiC particulates and Al2O3 particles were investigated using electrokinetics and steady-shear rheology. We found that well-dispersed aqueous suspensions with low viscosity could be prepared by adding a poly(acrylic acid) dispersant and controlling pH in the alkaline range. This processing scheme was also suitable for preparation of whisker and nanoparticle composite suspensions. The alumina-based composite suspensions with a secondary-phase concentration of 25 vol.% were freeze-granulated and hot-pressed, and the resulting bodies were fully densified with well-dispersed secondary phases. Homogeneous Al2O3–TiN nanoparticle composites could only be prepared with additions of up to 5 vol.% nanoparticles; higher additions resulted in agglomeration and subsequent grain growth of the nanoparticles.