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Title: Preparation and characterization of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} composites and its functionally graded materials

Journal Article · · Materials Research Bulletin

Alumina/titanium silicon carbide (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2}) composites and its functionally graded materials (FGMs) were fabricated by a powder metallurgy processes and their microstructure and properties were investigated, respectively. The experimental results showed that the Vickers hardness of composites decreased with increasing Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} content while the fracture toughness and strength exhibited the opposite trend. Minimum Vickers hardness (4 GPa), maximum strength (598 MPa) and maximum toughness (11.24 MPa m{sup 1/2}) were reached in the pure Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} material. Strength and hardness of FGMs were evaluated. Observation using an scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that the presence of Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} of FGMs inhibited the growth of alumina grains through a pinning mechanism. The study shows that the combination of the layered Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} structure and the fine alumina grains can result in a Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} composites possessing a high toughness and low Vickers hardness without a sacrifice in the strength.

OSTI ID:
20883130
Journal Information:
Materials Research Bulletin, Vol. 38, Issue 1; Other Information: PII: S0025540802010000; Copyright (c) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0025-5408
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English