Al2O3 base composites, with addition of NbC and MgO

The worldwide technological advances generate the needs of improved materials with better properties, according to its final purpose. Alumina composites with the addition of carbide particles have become an interesting option for structural applications. This work studies the influence of two commercial aluminas with different particle size and the adding of 1.5 and 6% in volume of niobium carbide and MgO 500 ppm in microstructural and mechanical properties of the composite. Samples were prepared by uniaxial and isostatic pressing and sintering was carried out in a graphite resistance furnace at 1600, 1650, 1700 and 1750 degree C for thirty minutes in Ar atmosphere. The obtained samples were evaluated sintering behavior, density, microstructure and mechanical properties, diffusion tests were realized to verify chemical reactivity between pairs formed by alumina and gray cast iron samples. The differences between aluminas caused some changes on the composites final properties. The composites produced with A16 alumina presented density about 2% higher than those produced with A1000 alumina. Similarly, the hardness also showed higher values. The carbide niobium added to the matrix of alumina delayed the sintering start, with an increase of about 30% in shrinkage initial states, when 6% of NbC was added. Composite with addition of 1,5% of NbC have higher density and hardness, even at lower sintering temperatures. The adding of niobium carbide to the alumina matrix and higher sintering temperatures provided higher density, hardness and fracture toughness to the composite. The best densification and hardness results of were obtained for composites produced with alumina A16 and when 1.5% of NbC was added. (author)