In this work, the oxidation-induced crack healing of Al2O3 containing 20 vol.% of Ti2AlC MAX phase inclusions as healing particles was studied. The oxidation kinetics of the Ti2AlC particles having an average diameter of about 10 mu m was studied via thermogravimetry and/or differential thermal analysis. Surface cracks of about 80 mu m long and 0.5 mu m wide were introduced into the composite by Vickers indentation. After annealing in air at high temperatures, the cracks were filled with stable oxides of Ti and Al as a result of the decomposition of the Ti2AlC particles. Crack healing was studied at 800, 900, and 1000 degrees C for 0.25, 1, 4, and 16 hours, and the strength recovery was measured by 4-point bending. Upon indentation, the bending strength of the samples dropped by about 50% from 402 +/- 35 to 229 +/- 14 MPa. This bending strength increased to about 90% of the undamaged material after annealing at 1000 degrees C for just 15 minutes, while full strength was recovered after annealing for 1 hour. As the healing temperature was reduced to 900 and 800 degrees C, the time required for full-strength recovery increased to 4 and 16 hours, respectively. The initial bending strength and the fracture toughness of the composite material were found to be about 19% lower and 20% higher than monolithic alumina, respectively, making this material an attractive substitute for monolithic alumina used in high-temperature applications.