Pressureless-sintering of Al-2/O-3/SiCW ceramic composite materials wa
s studied. A low O-2 partial pressure and two temperatures (1700 and 1
800 degrees C) were used. The mechanisms of formation of new phases in
this system were proposed throughout a thermodynamic study of the ext
remely reducing atmospheres. Two melts originated on different sources
were observed. Differences on densification and developed microstruct
ures were analyzed.