Toughening of ceramic composite designed by silica-based transformation weakening Interphases

A new concept for achieving graceful failure in oxide composites is introduced. It is based on crack deflection in a weak interphase between a matrix and reinforcement (e.g. fiber), or in a laminated composite. The interphase can be phase transformation weakened by volume contraction and/or unit cell shape change. Microcracking induced by a displacive, crystallographic phase transformation in silica-based interphases resulted in increase in the toughness of the bulk composites. In the present study, mullite/cordierite laminates with β→α-cristobalite (SiO2) transformation weakened interphase, and alumina matrix fibrous monolith with metastable hexacelsian (BaAl2Si2O8) interphases were investigated for interphase debonding behavior. In mechanical test, the laminates showed step-wise load drop behavior dependent on a grain size of β-cristobalite. In particular, in the fibrous monolith design, the load-deflection curve showed unusual plastic-like behavior with reasonable work of fracture.