ANISOTROPIC GRAIN-GROWTH IN TIO2-DOPED ALUMINA

Grain growth in TiO2-doped alumina was studied in a high density, ultr afine matrix (0.4 mu m. Normal grain growth, anisotropic grain growth and abnormal grain growth were observed. With 0.15-0.4 wt.% TiO2, samp les initially undergo normal grain growth until a crystal microstructu re is attained and anisotropic grain growth in nucleated. Large anisot ropic, platelet-shaped grains grow rapidly by a step growth process un til impingement of the large grains essentially stops further growth. The volume fraction of anisotropic grains ranged from 20 to 100 vol.% suggesting that physical propertis dependent on grain shape and volume fraction can be tailored. Critical requirements are proposed for the in situ growth of anisotropic grains.