Effects of Nb2O5/La2O3 Synergistic Modification on Phase Composition, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al2O3 Ceramics Prepared by Microwave Sintering
Nb2O5-7.5La2O3-Al2O3 composite ceramics were prepared by microwave sintering. The influence of Nb2O5 and La2O3 proportion on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3 ceramics was investigated. The results show that when the Nb2O5 content was lower than La2O3, the columnar LaAl11O18 grains were generated by the reaction of La2O3 with Al2O3. When the Nb2O5 content was higher than La2O3, the surplus Nb2O5 induced the formation of columnar Al2O3 grains. The growth of columnar Al2O3 grains were promoted synergistically by LaNbO4 formed in-situ and Nb2O5. The 5Nb2O5-7.5La2O3-Al2O3 composite ceramic exhibited excellent comprehensive properties: ρr=99.3% (relative density), HV=11.2GPa (microhardness), KIC= 6.4MPa·m1/2 (fracture toughness), σ=304.3MPa (bending strength).