Characterization of α-Al2O3–(Al–Si)3Ti composites

The reactions that take place during the formation of ceramic matrix composites that are based on α-Al2O3–(Al–Si)3Ti interpenetrating networks were analysed. A reactive preform was pressure infiltrated with an Al–Si alloy. After pressure infiltration, the composite did not react in a full manner and further thermal annealing was required. The reduction of TiO2 by the liquid Al–Si alloy results in the formation of (Al-Si)3Ti (Al60Si12Ti28). The formation of (Al–Si)3Ti is governed by the consumption of TiO that is formed as an intermediate phase during the reduction of TiO2.