Abstract
Alumina composite containing 10 vol.-%YAG was processed by injection moulding. The injection moulding feedstock was prepared by milling an aqueous dispersion of submicrometre size alumina and YAG powder synthesised by aqueous sol–gel method using aluminium tri-isopropoxide and yttrium oxide as starting powders. Binder and additives were further added to plastify the feedstock and facilitate the shaping process. Small and complex near net shape components can be efficiently mass produced by ceramic injection moulding reaching high surface quality and high dimensional tolerances. The influence of sintering in air and hydrogen atmosphere on the mechanical properties and density was investigated. It was shown that sintering in hydrogen atmosphere enhances densification, accelerates grain growth and develops elongated crack-like pores along the grain boundaries. The hardness and strength of alumina–YAG composites were influenced by changes in the sintering atmosphere.
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