Preparation and characterization of reaction-bonded aluminum oxide (RBAO) matrix SiC particulate filler composites

A series of ceramic-metal composites was prepared by reaction bonding SiC and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particulate fillers with an Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} matrix and pressure infiltrating the residual porosity with Al metal. The reaction-bonding process was monitored by thermogravimetric and dilatometric methods. Composition and microstructure, as well as physical and mechanical properties of the composites, were evaluated for both as-reacted and as-infiltrated materials. 5 refs.