In the present study, the preparation of strontium hexaaluminate/ZTA composites via a solid-state reaction was carried out. The effect of 10–40 mass% SrAl12O19 on the microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of the SrAl12O19/ZTA composite were addressed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron micro-scopy (SEM) were used to determine the role of the SrAl12O19 content on the phase composition and micro-structure. The addition of SrAl12O19 to zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) favours the formation of plate-like grains. The addition of up to 30 mass % SrAl12O19 improves the fracture toughness, while a further increase has a negative effect.