Abstract
LaPO4/Al2O3 composites were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. The effects of LaPO4 contents on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The bending strength and fracture toughness can reach the maximum value of 568.2 +/- 30 MPa and 4.8 +/- 0.5 MPa.m(1/2) for the composite with 16.4 vol% LaPO4 addition, respectively. The elastic moduli and hardness of the composites decreased with increasing LaPO4 content. Furthermore, the experimental results show that the composites can be machined by a tungsten carbide drill as the LaPO4 volume fraction is higher than 34.4 vol%.