Phase formation of Al2O3/Ti(C,N)–NiTi composite

This study investigates the addition of NiTi shape memory alloy into Al2O3/Ti(C,N) ceramic as a toughening agent. The reported study is focused on the thermal–chemical interaction between the NiTi additive and the ceramic matrix. It is found that at the sintering temperature of 1673K, the NiTi alloy is melted and the Ti content of the molten alloy react with the ceramic matrix to form TiC, leaving behind Ni which resolidifies into elliptical inclusions with distinctive mutlizone structures in the matrix of the ceramic. These findings provide useful guidance for NiTi–ceramic composite design.