Microstructural studies of the temperature‐dependence of deformation structures around hardness indentations in ceramics

Abstract

SUMMARY Various light microscopy and SEM techniques have been used to study the temperature dependence of deformation structures around hardness indentations in highly brittle ceramics (including single crystals of silicon and silicon carbide and polycrystalline forms cf SiC, Si 3 N 4 and B 4 C). Nomarski differential interferometry has enabled slip steps to be resolved around high‐temperature indentations, allowing identification of the dominant slip systems and measurement of the extent of surface plasticity as a function of temperature. The occurrence of indentation fracture as a function of both temperature and specimen microstructure was studied by SEM methods (including stereo imaging), Nomarski differential interferometry and polarized reflection light microscopy. Generally, radial and lateral crack sizes increased with increasing temperature, due to increasing residual stresses around indentations caused by increasing indentation plasticity. Examples of microstructural control of crack paths are given for various single crystal and polycrystalline materials.