Ceramic body containing alumina and boron carbide

A ceramic body formed from the consolidation of a starting powder mixture at a temperature equal to between about 1400 degrees Centigrade and about 1850 degrees Centigrade comprising:

• between about 15 volume percent and about 35 volume percent of a boron carbide irregular-shaped phase, at least about 50 volume percent alumina, and the residue from a metal component present in the starting powder mixture in an effective amount to achieve full densification wherein the metal component including one or more of aluminum, magnesium and zinc;
• and
• the ceramic body has a fracture toughness (KIC, 18.5 Kg Load E&C) greater than or equal to about 4.5 MPa·m0.5 wherein the ceramic body has a density equal to or greater than 99 percent of theoretical density.