Microstructural evolution in the near-surface layer of a model metal-ceramic system, Ptimplanted high-purity polycrystalline Al2O3 (PCA), was studied, and compared to that in Ptimplanted sapphire. Interactions between Pt particles and migrating ! /! grain boundaries in PCA caused Pt particle redistribution and Pt loss, and were evaluated in the context of Zenerpinning and particle-drag theories. The experimental method allows the transition from the original to the new equilibrium shape due to the changes in orientation relationship (OR) to be examined. As a result of the potentially wide range of equilibrium shapes, interface crystallographies, and transitional morphologies the microstructural evolution imposes, the experimental method provides a flexible framework for fundamental studies of the energetic and kinetic properties of ceramic-metal interfaces.