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Alumina matrix composites reinforced with metallic copper were produced and their microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The composites were fabricated by aqueous slip casting technique, and sintered at 1500 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere. The samples showed low porosity and a core-skin structure with copper-free skin and a uniform spatial distribution of copper particles in the core. The addition of metallic Cu particles at low amounts in the Al 2 O 3 matrix resulted in a small reduction in the stiffness and the hardness but augmented impact resistance. The mechanical properties of the composites were in good agreement with porosity-corrected predictions of the simple rule of mixtures, indicating that this fabrication method produces composites for which the enhanced toughness is not accompanied by a large reduction of their other mechanical properties.

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