The milling and particulate characteristics of Al alloy-Al2O3 powder mixtures for a reaction-bonded Al2O3 (RBAO) process were studied. A commercially available prealloyed Al powder with Zn, Mg, Cu and Cr alloying elements (7475 series) was mixed with a calcined sinter-active Al2O3 powder and then milled in centrifugal milling equipment for ~48 hrs. The Al alloy-Al2O3 powder mixtures after milling were characterized and evaluated in various ways to reveal their particulate characteristics during milling. The milling efficiency of the Al alloy increased with a longer milling time. Comminution of the Al alloy particles started with its elongation, showing a high aspect ratio. With a longer milling time, the elongated Al alloy particle changed in terms of its shape and size, becoming equiaxially fine particles. Regardless of the milling efficiency of the Al alloy particles, all of the Al alloy particles repeatedly experienced strong plastic deformation during milling, giving rise to higher density of surface defects, such as microcracks, and leading to higher residual microstress within the Al alloy particles. The chemical reactions, oxidation behavior and hydration behavior of the Al alloy particles and the hydrolysis characteristics of their reaction with the environment were also observed during the milling process and during the subsequent powder handling steps.

반응결합 알루미나(RBAO)-SiC 세라믹스를 AI금속분말/AI2O3/SiC 분말혼합체로부터 제조하였다. 하소알루미나와 용융알루미나를 알루미나 분말공급원으로 사용하였다. 출발원료는 단일구경(3mm)또는 혼합구경(3mm+5mm)의 ZrO2볼로 어트리션 밀링 하였다. 정수압 성형한 시편을 1100˚C까지 1.5˚C/mim로 1차소성한 다음, 1500˚C~1600˚C까지 5˚C/mim으로 2차소성하였다. 용융알루미나와의 분말혼합체가 하소알루미나와의 분말혼합체보다 분쇄가 더욱 잘 되었다. 또한 단일구가 혼합구보다 분쇄에 더욱 효율적이었다. AI2O3 형태에 따른 반응소결거동에는 별 차이가 없었다.