Effect of MgO-Y2O3 Powders and Sintering Temperature on Properties of Al2O3-TiC Composites

Al2O3-30%TiC composites doped with 0.5%MgO and 0.3-1.0% Y2O3 additives are pressureless-sintered at different conditions such as temperatures, soaking times, and heating rates under an argon atmosphere. The physical, mechanical properties, and cutting performance of sintered composites were compared with commercial one. In this work, the Al2O3-30%TiC composites doped with 0.5%MgO and 0.3%Y2O3 sintered at 1800°C obtained highest density of 97% of theoretical and flexural strength of 343 MPa. In addition, the cutting performance of the Al2O3-30%TiC-0.5%MgO-0.3%Y2O3 sintered at 1800°C was comparable with the commercial cutting tool.