Diverse dispersion materials and methods were developed within the framework of the Al_2O_3TiCZrO_2 composite ceramics project. The materials developed are characterized by a pronounced structural homogeneity at medium grain sizes near the submicron range, a minimum residual porosity #<=#0.5 vol.%, a bending strength in the range of 750 - 950 MPa depending on the material composition, a fracture toughness #>=# 4.5 MPa m"-"1"/"2, a specific electrical resistance of 10"-"3 ohm/cm for electrical discharge machining, and a good machinability (cutting properties, edge tear resistance, buffability). Positive results were obtained applying Al_2O_3TiC composite ceramics as thin-film magnet head substrates. The substitution of Al_2O_3 by Y-ZrO_2 improved the wear resistance, edge stability, and microstructure characteristics. The investigated composite ceramics are suited for manufacturing wear-resistant microprecision components for machines and apparatuses as well as for manufacturing special-purpose ceramic inserts. (orig.)SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: F94B996+a / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekBundesministerium fuer Forschung und Technologie (BMFT), Bonn (Germany)DEGerman