Processing of high-density submicrometer Al2O3 for new applications

A review. Sintered corundum components with submicrometer grain sizes exhibit properties which enable numerous new applications. Wet powder processing is developed to associate minimum grain sizes at highest densities with the lowest population of macrodefects. A closest ratio of powder particle size and sintered grain size is important for obtaining most fine-grained microstructures. This target was approached best by using powders with particle sizes in the range of 100-200 nm rather than with smaller nanoparticles. New components are presented from the fields of ceramic milling media, tool ceramics for cutting and grinding, bioceramics, transparent windows and armor applications.