Mechanical Properties of Mullite

The mechanical properties of alkoxy-derived, high-purity, translucent, theoretically dense mullite (3AI₂O₃.2SiO₂) were investigated over the temperature range room temperature to 1500°C. Large agglomerates were found to contribute to the formation of porosity nests which act as strength-controlling flaws at room temperature as well as at high temperatures. Despite the slow crack growth above 1300°C, a slight increase in fracture stress and a large increase in K_Ic were observed up to 1500°C. These increases are explained by the dominance of energy dissipation through plastic relaxation in the plastic zone over grain-boundary sliding due to the presence of the glassy phase.