Toughening and Strengthening of Alumina with Silver Inclusions

摘要

The fracture toughness and flexural strength of Al_2O_3/Ag composites are investigated. Both the strength and toughness of alumina are enhanced as silver inclusions are added. From microstructural observation, the crack is bridged or deflected by silver inclusions. The toughness enhancement is contributed mainly by the plastic deformation of the silver inclusions. The strengthening effect is contributed both by the matrix grain refinement and by the toughness enhancement.