Abstract
Alumina matrix composites reinforced with metal thin wire (Inconel-600) were successfully fabricated by plasma spray forming. The atmospheric plasma sprayed matrix layers and wire layers arranged by filament-winding technique were piled up alternately. Though the matrix and the wire were partially bonded only on the side which sprayed particles came flying to, a solid structure was obtained by this technique. Spraying in one direction perpendicular to the substrate made peculiar V-shape pores around the wires, but tilting the torch was effective to reduce the pores. The flexural strength of composite did not increase in spite of some crack deflections on the fracture surface. Owing to the wire pullout, however, the composite exhibited a remarkably higher apparent fracture energy than that of monolithic alumina ceramics.
