Al2O3/ZrO2 composites have been prepared by fast firing of oxidized Al/Al2O3/ZrO2 precursors produced by the reaction-bonded aluminium oxide (RBAO) technique. This fabrication route results in high-strength ceramics at relatively low densities. For example, after fast firing for 20 min at 1550 degrees C, RBAO containing 20 vol% ZrO2 shows four-point bending strengths of > 600 MPa at a density of similar to 95% theoretical which is comparable to conventionally sintered RBAO.