A new method of fabricating ceramic matrix composites using Ni-induced pressureless infiltration was presented

that is

firstly

Ni/Al2O3 composite ceramic preforms were prepared by powder metallurgical method

then

the Ni/Al2O3 composite ceramic preforms were infiltrated with stainless steel melt at 1600℃ in vacuum

finally

stainless steel infiltrated reinforced aluminum ceramic matrix composites were successfully prepared. Microstructure of steel/ceramic bonding interface was observed by SEM （scanning electron microscope）

and elemental content in around bonding interface of the composites obtained was analyzed by EDS （energy dispersive spectrometer）

and interfacial reactive products were characterized by XRD （X-ray diffraction）

and interface bonding strength was measured by tensile testing. The results reveal that the steel melt can be infiltrated into the ceramic preforms through Ni liquid channels and form new Ni-Fe alloy. Interfacial reaction occurs between stainless steel and the composite ceramic

and the maximum interfacial bonding strength reaches up to about 67.5MPa.