When 1 wt%-Fe_(2)O_(3) added AI_(2)O_(3) samples were sintered in a reducing atmosphere, the excess Fe_(2)O_(3) remained as Fe precipitates at the triple grain-junctions. On annealing the sintered samples in an oxidizing atmosphere, however, the Fe pr...
When 1 wt%-Fe_(2)O_(3) added AI_(2)O_(3) samples were sintered in a reducing atmosphere, the excess Fe_(2)O_(3) remained as Fe precipitates at the triple grain-junctions. On annealing the sintered samples in an oxidizing atmosphere, however, the Fe precipitates dissolved into AI_(2)O_(3) grains at the surface region and induced grain-boundary migration. The sample with grain-boundary migration showed better mechanical properties than that without migration: improvement in the critical load for cone crack initiation and reduction of surface chipping at the contact area under cyclic loading. It appears that DIGM is a possible means of improving the mechanical properties of AI_(2)O_(3).