Abstract
A ZrB2 ceramic containing 20 vol.% SiC and 10 vol.% graphite flake (ZrB2-SiC-G) was fabricated by hot pressing. It was shown that the fracture toughness was improved due to the introduction of graphite flake, whereas the flexure strength and hardness decreased slightly. The fracture toughness of ZrB2-SiC-G composite was 6.1 ± 0.3 MPa·m1/2, which was much higher than that of monolithic ZrB2, ZrB2-SiC composite and similar ZrB2-SiC-C composite. The toughening mechanisms are crack deflection and branching as well as stress relaxation near the crack tip. The results here pointed to a potential method for improving fracture toughness of ZrB2-based ceramics.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 4360-4362 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Materials Letters |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 28 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Nov 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Graphite flake
- Mechanical properties
- Microstructure
- ZrB-SiC