School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, People's Republic of China
Abstract:
The mechanical properties of Al2O3 matrix composites reinforced by ZrO2(2 mol% Y2O3) and nanometre scale SiC dispersions have been investigated. It is shown that the Al2O3 matrix is simultaneously strengthened and toughened by both ZrO2(2 mol% Y2O3) and nano-SiC particles. The maximum flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composites are 945 MPa and 7.3 MPam1/2, respectively. The reinforcing effect of both t-m phase transformation of ZrO2 (2 mol% Y2O3) and nano-SiC particles appears to be synergetic.