Abstract
Three kinds of in-situ growth TaC whiskers toughening Al2O3 matrix ceramic cutting tool materials were prepared by two steps, which were in-situ synthesis of TaC whiskers in Al2O3 matrix powder by carbothermal reduction process and hot pressing of the composites respectively. The preparation process, microstructure, mechanical properties and toughening mechanisms of the composites were investigated. The in-situ synthesized TaC whiskers had a diameter of 0.1-0.5μm and an aspect ratio of 10-30. The composite containing 20vol.% TaC had the optimal comprehensive mechanical properties with flexural strength of 638MPa, fracture toughness of 6.5MPa·m1/2 and hardness of 17.4GPa. The improvement of the mechanical properties was attributed to the TaC particles and whiskers which induced the toughening and strengthening effects such as crack deflection, crack branching, grain and whisker fracture, interface debonding and whisker pullout. The fracture mode of the composites was the combination of intergranular and transgranular fracture which also improved the mechanical properties of the composites.
Publisher
Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.