A new technique to toughen alumina matrix ceramics is presented, in which Al and TiC are incorporated into the matrix ceramic in the form of Al–Ti–C master alloys, meanwhile ZrO 2 are introduced to Al 2 O 3 /Al–Ti–C composites. Composites of Al 2 O 3 /TiC/ZrO 2 /AlN and Al 2 O 3 /TiC/AlN were fabricated by the technology of transient liquid phase sintering, during which new AlN phase was produced by the chemical reactions taking place between Al and N 2 (the protection atmosphere). The toughening effect of Al–Ti–C master alloys on alumina matrix ceramics was researched along with the influence of combination of Al–Ti–C master alloys and ZrO 2 . Mechanical properties of the composites were determined and the microstructures were analyzed.