High-Toughening Alumina Composites Weakened by Metastable Hexacelsian Interphases

摘要

New laminate design for improved toughness in hexacelsian-alumina composite is introduced. The composite is based on crack deflection in a weak interphase in the alumina matrix and hexacelsian interphase. The strength and toughness of the laminated composite were studied both qualitatively by electronic microscopy and measuring flexure strength. The metastable hexacelsian interphases had partially microcracks to provide crack deflection in the composite, and the crack deflection noticeably proceeded along the meta-stable hexacelsian interphase. Load-deflection curve for the laminate showed improved work of fracture of 2.23 kJ/m{sup}2.