Toughening Behavior in Sic‐Whisker‐Reinforced Alumina

Abstract

The development of hot‐pressed Sic‐whisker‐reinforced alumina has resulted in composites with fracture toughness values ∼;8.7 MPa·m 112 at 20 vol% SiC. Whisker orientation during processing leads to anisotropy in both fracture toughness and fracture strength. Fracture strengths are also limited by the ability to disperse the Sic whiskers; however, use of both fine alumina powders and ultrasonic dispersion techniques yields strengths ∼;800 MPa.