Microwave joining of Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf>-ZrO<inf>2</inf> composites

A suitable technique of joining ceramic composites is needed in order to make complex shaped components for structural applications. Alumina-30% zirconia ceramic composites were joined by microwave hybrid heating principle, without application of pressure, using the sodium silicate glass as a bonding interlayer material. The interdiffusion of elements of ceramic composite and interlayer material improved the joint quality.