Textured alumina ceramics by uniaxial pressing

Abstract

Highly textured, dense alumina ceramics were fabricated by a processing route which utilizes a mixture of Al metal powder, alumina powder, alumina platelet (template) particles and a liquid phase former. The process involves dry forming the powder mixture (e.g., uniaxial pressing) to align the plate-like template particles. Texture quality can be controlled by compaction strain. Thermodynamic conditions favorable for template growth occur when the size ratio between the template thickness and matrix grains is 1.5.