Method for Production of α‐Alumina Whiskers via Vapor‐Liquid‐Solid Deposition

α‐alumina (α‐Al 2 O 3 , corundum) fibers exhibit high thermal and chemical stability, as well as good mechanical properties, even at high temperatures. Such characteristics make them good candidates for use in composites. Nevertheless, very few methods of producing α‐Al 2 O 3 fibers are available. In the present work, we describe a method that uses aluminum pieces deposited on SiO 2 powder, in an argon atmosphere, at temperatures in the range 1300°–1600°C. The α‐Al 2 O 3 fibers are obtained via vapor‐liquid‐solid deposition. The novel addition of nickel and cobalt (or their oxides) allows the use of temperatures >1500°C, resulting in improved fiber production. We demonstrate that the metals do not contaminate the fibers produced in this way. Finally, we also estimate the tensile strength of the Al 2 O 3 fibers produced through this method.