Abstract
Mechanical properties of in-situ toughened Al 2O 3/Fe 3Al nano-/micro-composites were measured. Effects of Fe 3Al content, sintering temperature and holding time on properties and microstructure of the composites were investigated. The addition of Fe 3Al nano-particles decreased the aspect ratio and grain size of Al 2O 3, and changed the fracture mode of composites. The maximum bending strength and fracture toughness were 832 MPa and 7.96 MPa m 1/2, which were obtained in Al 2O 3/5 wt.% Fe 3Al sintered at 1530 °C and Al 2O 3/10 wt.% Fe 3Al sintered at 1600 °C, respectively. Compared to monolithic alumina, the strength increased by 132% and the toughness increased by 73%. The improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites was attributed to the change in fracture mode from intergranular fracture to transgranular fracture, the “in-situ reinforced effect” arising from the platelet grains of Al 2O 3 matrix, refined microstructure by dispersoids, as well as crack deflection and bridging of intergranular and intragranular Fe 3Al.
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