Abstract
The pretreatment condition for uniform distribution of SiC whisker in A2O3-SiCw composites has been determined and the mechanical properties of the composites with various whisker contents have been measured. Good dispersion of the whisker can be obtained in a solution of pH=10.45 by ball milling and ultrasonic treatment. The relative density of hot pressed composites decreases with the whisker content up to 40vol%, but is found to be satisfactory, over 98% for all samples. The mechanical property of the composites is sensitive to the whisker dispersion. Uniform distributjion of the whisker is critical in order to guarantee good mechanical property.The samples containing 20~30vol% whisker show the best mechanical property within the studied range.