Microstructure-Property Relationships in Wear Resistant Alumina/SiC 'anocomposites' the Importance of Plastic Deformation in Ceramics

摘要

Alumina/SiC "nanocomposites" consist of a dispersion of submicron SiC particles in an alumina matrix. The resistance to severe wear of the nanocomposites and the surface finish produced by a given grinding treatment are strikingly superior to those of pure alumina with the same grain size. We have explored the reasons for this by correlating a wide range of variations in the basic microstructure with the wear behaviour observed, including both the abrasive wear rate and quantitative surface fractography of the worn surfaces.