Al2O3/TiAl composites were successfully fabricated from powder mixtures of
Ti, Al, TiO2, Cr2O3 and Nb2O5 by a hot-press-assisted exothermic dispersion
method. The effect of the Cr2O3 and Nb2O5 addition on the microstructures and
mechanical properties of Al2O3/TiAl composites was characterized. The results
showed that the specimens are mainly composed of TiAl, Ti3Al, Al2O3, NbAl3
and Cr2Al. The Vicker-hardness and density of Al2O3/TiAl composites increase
gradually with the increase of Nb2O5 content. When the Nb2O5 content was 6.54
wt %, the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composites have a
maximum values of 789.79 MPa and 9.69 MPa?m1/2, respectively. The improvement
of mechanical properties is discussed in detail.