Evaluated material properties for a sintered alpha-alumina

Results of a data evaluation exercise are presented for a particular specification of sintered alpha-alumina (mass fraction of Al2O3, greater than or equal to 0.995; relative density (rho/rho(theoretical)), greater than or equal to 0.98; and nominal grain size, 5 mu m). A comprehensive set of material property data is established based on published physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of alumina specimens that conform to the constraints of the material specification. The criteria imposed on the properties are that the values should be derived from independent experimental studies, that the values for physically related properties should be mutually self-consistent, and that the sets of values should be compatible with established material property relations. The properties assessed in this manner include crystallography, thermal expansion, density, sound velocity, elastic modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, bulk modulus, compressive strength, flexural strength, Weibull characteristic strength, Weibull modulus, tensile strength, hardness, fracture toughness, creep rate, creep rate stress exponent, creep activation energy, friction coefficient, wear coefficient, melting point, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusivity.