Abstract
Alumina containing Cr 3C 2 of different sizes and compositions of was pressurelessly sintered at 1550°C for 2 h in 1 atm Ar atmosphere. The fracture toughness values of Al 2O 3/Cr 3C 2 composites were consistently observed to be higher than that of monolithic alumina. An optimum toughness of 5.9 MPa m 1/2 was obtained for the 30 vol.% Cr 3C 2(2 μm)/Al 2O 3 composite. Small Cr 3C 2 (2 μm) particles had a more positive toughening effect than did large Cr 3C 2 (7 μm) particles. Cracks were observed to radiate from the Cr 3C 2 particles. Coalescence and necking of Cr 3C 2 were observed in composites with high Cr 3C 2 contents. Pores due to the pull out of Cr 3C 2 particles were also observed. The observed toughening effects were attributed to the mechanisms of crack deflection and microcracking. Theoretical toughness was calculated and compared with the experimental results.
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