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Super-tough silicon nitride with R-curve behavior

Conference · · Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings; (USA)
OSTI ID:6926072
Silicon nitride with a fracture toughness of 10.6 + or - 0.5 MPa sq rt m has been developed. This tough, nontransforming ceramic exhibits pronounced R-curve behavior. Double cantilever-beam and indentation/strength measurements were used to characterize the R-curve, and good agreement between the two methods was obtained. The high toughness and R-curve behavior of this silicon nitride material is attributed to extensive crack deflection and crack bridging phenomena arising from its unique microstructure. As a result of R-curve behavior, the material exhibits flaw tolerance and is, therefore, characterized by a high Weibull modulus. Furthermore, this ceramic is more damage-tolerant than silicon nitrides with flat crack growth resistance. 19 refs.
OSTI ID:
6926072
Report Number(s):
CONF-890130--
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings; (USA) Journal Volume: 10
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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