The effect of SiC particle size on the healing efficiency of alumina at high temperatures

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Abstract

Structural ceramics like alumina are usually brittle and sensitive to flaws leading to a reduction in their mechanical properties. This situation is worsened by machining prior to service and during service by contact, which introduces micro cracks and hidden damages. Crack damage can easily be developed in such ceramics when loaded, which often leads to catastrophic failure. However, if sacrificial SiC healing particles are embedded into the matrix of alumina, then the cracks can be healed by exposure at high temperatures in an oxidizing environment. Then, the cracks are filled with SiO2 restoring the strength of the composite and thereby prolonging its lifetime. Reducing the size of the SiC healing particles while keeping the volume fraction the same, will increase the efficiency and lowers the onset temperature of the oxidation induced crack healing.

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