Abstract: A method is disclosed of making a sintered composite unitary artifact having an alpha-alumina component fast with a metal component. Particulate alpha-alumina and a glass-forming additive are mixed together; and a green artifact is pressed having an alumina portion formed from the mixture and a metal portion formed from a particulate metal. The green artifact is then heated under a non-oxidizing atmosphere to a temperature at which both portions undergo densification. This provides a sintered artifact having a debased alpha-alumina component sintered to a metal artifact.

Abstract: The invention provides a sintered ceria/zirconia ceramic and a method of making it. The product comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of 76-92 mole % zirconia, 8-20 mole % ceria and 0.1-1.2 mole % lanthana and/or praseodymia. The method involves heating an artifact comprising said mixture to a temperature in the range 1200.degree.-1700.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a ceramic artifact by sintering a mixture of particulate zircon and alumina or precursors thereof. The method involves doping the mixture by dispersing a dopant therein prior to sintering. The dopant comprises BaO, SrO, NiO, ZnO or mixtures thereof.