Abstract
Hybrid microstructure design has been used to fabricate alumina composites reinforced by 5 vol% of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) together with different (1, 2, 3 vol%) contents of SiC nanoparticles by spark plasma sintering. The mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the composites were determined as a function of the SiC volume fraction. The thermal conductivity decreased for 1 and 2 vol% of SiC, while for 3 vol%, it increased. Substantial improvements in the fracture toughness, bending strength, and electrical conductivity were observed and attributed to a synergetic effect of the MWNT and SiC nanoparticles in the hybrid microstructure design.