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Contribution of microstructure to the toughness of mullite/zirconia composites

Conference ·
OSTI ID:99193
Mullite based composites dispersing non-stabilized zirconia particles were prepared from various combinations of raw materials. Characteristics of their microstructures were analyzed by image analysis method and contribution of the geometrical factors in the microstructure to fracture toughness of the mullite/zirconia composites was investigated. Fracture toughness apparently increased by addition of zirconia and the maximum value reached up to 6.9 MPa{radical}m in the composites prepared from zircon and alumina. Grain size and geometrical distribution of zirconia had close relation with fracture toughness because they caused compressive stress to mullite grains. Microstructure with larger zirconia grains and shorter zirconia intergrain distances was suitable for higher fracture toughness.
OSTI ID:
99193
Report Number(s):
CONF-940911--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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