Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of an Air-Annealed SiC-Whisker/Y-TZP Composite

Abstract

The relation between the mechanical properties and the microstructure of an air-annealed 20-vol% SiC-whisker/Y-TZP composite was examined. Although the bend strength and fracture toughness were 950 MPa and 8.2 MPa {center dot}m{sup 1/2}, respectively, before this composite was air-annealed, after annealing both properties decreased. Fracture was more intergranular than transgranular after aging because of microcracking caused by the t {yields} m transformation and cavity formation at the grain boundary during aging.