Joining of ceramic composites by microwave heating

Ceramic matrix composites find increasing use in high technology applications because of their enhanced toughness and wear resistance. Reliable joining techniques are however needed for the development of intricate shapes made of ceramic composites. In this present work, sintered alumina-30% zirconia ceramic composites were joined by hybrid heating using microwave radiation (2.45 GHz, 700 W), along with sodium silicate glass powder as an interlayer. The joints/welds were studied using XRD, SEM, EPMA, microhardness, and 3 point bend tests.