Composites of monazites, LnPO(4) (Ln = La, Pr, Nd and Gd), with oxide ceram
ics such as Al2O3 and TiO2 have been examined for their microstructure. Aro
und 3 mol% of monazite can provide bonding and also restrict grain growth i
n these ceramics favoring good mechanical properties. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci
ence S.A. All rights reserved.