Pressure-induced preferential grain growth, texture development, and anisotropic properties of Fe/augite matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Abstract

Fe/augite matrix composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass-ceramic water quenched slag as the raw material and Fe2O3 and Fe-75%Si as additives. The phase compositions and microstructures of the samples were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy. The effect of the texture on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Fe/augite matrix composites was investigated. The results show that the high-density sample fabricated by SPS at 800 °C has a fiber texture along the c axis such that is parallel to the compression direction. The Fe/augite matrix composite prepared at a sintering temperature of 800 °C has better properties than that prepared at 700 °C, with density of 3.52 g cm−3, Vickers hardness of 7.73 GPa, and fracture toughness of 12.09 M P a ·m 1/2.