Abstract
Abstract The mechanical properties of Si 3 N 4 + β-Si 3 N 4 whisker reinforced ceramics were studied at room and elevated temperatures up to 1200°C. The four-point bend strength, Weibull modulus and fracture toughness values were analysed in connection with technological defects and fracture mechanisms. The main fracture origins were clusters of Si 3 N 4 whiskers and the main toughening mechanisms were crack deflection, whisker/matrix debonding and to a lesser extent crack branching and whisker pull-out. The experimentally achieved toughening was compared with those theoretically predicted. The strength degradation was caused by subcritical crack growth at elevated temperatures.
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