SiC whisker/calcium phosphate and C fiber/calcium phosphate composites were fabricated by hot-pressing at 1185 °C and 7.6 MPa in vacuum. The microstructural characteristics, especially interfaces, of these composites were studied using transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of these composites were measured by four-point bending tests. It was found that the mechanical properties of these calcium phosphate-based composites were strongly dependent on their microstructural characteristics.

The microstructural and chemical characteristics of silicon carbide whisker/calcium phosphate and carbon fiber/calcium phosphate composites were studied using analytical transmission electron microscopy. The interface at these calcium phosphate-based composites was studied, with particular attention to finding evidence of a chemical reaction at the interface. Structural observations made on these composites explain the fact that their mechanical properties may be strongly affected by the structural properties.

The microstructural and chemical characteristics of the segregated particles, Ni-(Mg)-Al spinel phases, and K-ß’’’ alumina precipitates in fine-grained alumina co-doped with 0.15 wt % of MgO and 0.10 wt % of NiO were studied using analytical transmission electron microscopy. The segregated Ni particles and second phases were generally found at triple junctions or on grain boundaries. The K-ß’’’ alumina precipitates were found to contain occasionally a high density of stacking faults. These microstructural observations point out the location of the dopants and impurities during the sintering process.