Title: Si₃O₄ and Al₂O₃ based ceramic

Authors: Jan Dusza, Pavol Sajgalik

Addresses: Institute of Materials Research, SAS, Watsonova 47, 043 53 Kosice, Slovakia. ' Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, SAS, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 36 Bratislava, Slovakia

Abstract: The aim of this review paper is to summarise the results of the worldwide investigation in the field of development and characterisation of structural ceramic nanocomposites during the last two decades. The main processing routes are summarised and the principal microstructure parameters are described. The relationships between rupture strength, Weibull modulus and defects-fracture origins are discussed as well as the possibilities of strength improvement through improved processing steps and microstructure design. Possible strengthening and toughening mechanisms are described and the relationships between the fracture toughness, microstructure and fracture micromechanisms are discussed. The residual stresses and their effect on toughness, strength and reliability are analysed. The effect of the temperature on deformation, crack growth and creep failure of the ceramic nanocomposites are characterised.

Keywords: alumina; creep; fracture; strength; mechanical properties; microstructure; structural ceramic nanocomposites; processing; silicon nitride; residual stresses; toughness; reliability; temperature; deformation; crack growth; creep failure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2005.006592

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2005 Vol.23 No.1/2, pp.91 - 120

Published online: 23 Mar 2005 *

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