Near-Net Shapes Al2O3–SiCw Ceramic Nanocomposites Produced by Hybrid Spark Plasma Sintering

Abstract

This article describes the process and demonstrates the possibility to obtain a complex square-shaped nanostructured ceramic cutting composite by spark plasma sintering. Microstructure, mechanical, and wear properties of complex shape inserts were studied and compared with the properties of inserts which were cut from the SPS-sintered cylinder by diamond disk. Both types of inserts exhibited similar properties, meanwhile, fabrication of complex-shaped sample is less expensive and time-consuming process due to the absence of diamond disk cutting operation.