Multifunctional dream ceramic matrix composites are born!

Researchers at Osaka University produced composites consisting of alumina (Al2O3) ceramics and titanium (Ti), namely Al2O3/Ti composites. They designed a percolation structure for forming a continuous conduction pathway to disperse nanosized Ti particles into an Al2O3 matrix, optimizing the particle size of metallic Ti powder and sintering processes. They improved fracture toughness and electrical conductivity of Al2O3/Ti composites while simultaneously giving them photocatalytic ability.