Fibrous filler-matrix interaction in oxide composites

• Published in: Mechanics of composite materials Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. 163 - 168
• Main Authors: ULYANOVA, T. M, BASALYGA, I. I, PAEMURD, E. S, KRUT'KO, N. P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Consultants Bureau 01.03.2002
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building materials. Ceramics. Glasses; Ceramic industries; Chemical industry and chemicals; Exact sciences and technology; Structural ceramics; Technical ceramics; Interaction; Fiber reinforced material; Experimental study; Oxide ceramics; Composite material; Structural ceramic; Zirconia; Sol gel process; Manufacturing; Porosity; Microstructure; Alumina; Filler; Ceramic fiber; Crystalline structure
• ISSN: 0191-5665; 1573-8922
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1014937727943

The interaction between a fibrous alumina filler and a hydrated zirconia matrix during the fabrication of ceramic composites is studied. The influence of the crystal structure and porosity of the filler on the properties of the ZrO sub 2 -Al sub 2 O sub 3 composite material is investigated. It is found that, as a result of addition of alumina fibers of cubic and monoclinic structures ( gamma - and theta -phases), the ZrO sub 2 hydrogel interacts with fibers and solid ZrO sub 2 solutions of tetragonal structure are formed. These solutions exist over the range of 600 to 1200 deg P and, at annealing above 1200 deg C, due to crystallographic transitions the of gamma - and theta -phases, they break down, namely Al sub 2 O sub 3 transforms into alpha -corundum and ZrO sub 2 into a monoclinic modification. However, the material does not fail and a stable porous ceramic composite is formed. To manufacture a composite with improved mechanical characteristics, fibrous alumina fillers with the structure of a-corundum must be used.