Improved fracture resistance and toughening mechanisms of GNPs reinforced ceramic composites

Abstract

The R-curve behavior and toughening mechanisms of graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) reinforced ceramic composites are investigated. A toughening model is developed with the consideration of interface debonding, crack bridging and pull-out of GNPs, which can be used to quantify the contribution of different mechanisms to the improved toughness of ceramic composites. The theoretical results agree well with the experimental data when GNPs homogeneously dispersed in ceramic matrix. All prepared GNPs/ceramic composites exhibit a raising R-curve behavior owing to the toughening mechanisms induced by GNPs, and the curve becomes steeper with increasing GNPs content, indicating that the fracture resistance and flaw tolerance are improved. The dominant toughening mechanism is GNPs pull-out, which is followed by crack bridging and interface debonding. Furthermore, the analytical model suggests that improving GNPs properties, interfacial sheer strength and reducing GNPs thickness can improve the fracture toughness of ceramic composites.