Near fully dense ZrO2(3Y)/Fe3Al composites with significantly improved fracture toughness were synthesized by hot-press sintering at 1350degreesC. High fracture toughness and bending-strength values, 36 MPa.m(1/2) and 1321 MPa, respectively, were achieved in 40 vol% Fe3Al composite ceramics, whereas those same values for ZrO2(3Y) alone were 10 MPa - m(1 /2) and 988 MPa, respectively. Microscopic observation of the crack path revealed that Fe3Al particle uniformly dispersed in the matrix have obvious crack-bridging effect. Improved thermal-shock resistance was also obtained, which was attributed to higher toughness, thermal conductivity, and lower Young's modulus by adding of Fe3Al particles.