Heat treatment of Al 2 O 3 -SiC-MgO nanoceramic and optimizing the fracture performance

Abstract

In this study, the procedure of sintering and heat treatment of Al2O3-SiC-MgO nanoceramic was considered. For improving the densification behavior and mechanical properties, experimental variables, such as sintering temperature and duration, which significantly influence the fracture performance of this nanocomposite body, were optimized. To obtain desired properties, several tests were conducted on the nanoceramic materials produced under different conditions to achieve the best physical and mechanical properties. It was observed that for specimen with 10 vol% SiC, sintering temperature 1650°C, and sintering duration of 90 min and sintering pressure of 30 MPa, the fracture performance of nanoceramic has been improved. Furthermore, samples produced in the mentioned conditions, were conducted under heat treatment at several temperatures from 1200°C up to 1600°C. Fracture toughness of these samples were measured and analyzed. Remarkable increase in fracture toughness was observed with increasing annealing temperature.To achieve best performance against impact, optimum heat treatment temperatures were presented. Key words: Nanoceramic, sintering parameters, heat treatment, microcracking, fracture toughness.