FABRICATION OF AL2O3-SICW IN-SITU COMPOSITE THROUGH A NEW COMBUSTION TECHNIQUE

A combustion synthesis technique for the fabrication of Al2O3-SiCw in situ composite using a rapid heating scheme of the samples is describe d. Reduction of SiO2 has been found to proceed through an aluminotherm ic route. XRD analysis of the products shows that at lower temperature s silicon carbide is present in the form of beta-SiC whiskers. Soaking time at the processing temperatures affect the proportion and size of whiskers. It appears to be possible to fabricate near net shape compo site through this technique.