ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3457-8631
Date of Award
Spring 5-14-2019
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Type
Thesis
Abstract
This study used grain size control and ductile phase reinforcement to improve fracture toughness of ����� ceramics. Alpha alumina particles of 100 nm, 0.5-1 micrometers, and 10 micrometers were coated with 1-5 nm nickel by electroless nickel plating (ENP). The coated powders were consolidated at 1200℃-1500℃ by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The sintered samples were annealed at 1100 oC for 1.5 hours and 10 hours to determine the effect of post sintering annealing on hardness and fracture toughness. Density of the samples were measured by the standard Archimedes method using a 5 mL pycnometer. Hardness values were determined by Vickers micro hardness indentations and the fracture toughness values were calculated from indentation dimensions and indentation-tip crack length measurements. Uncoated powders, coated powders, consolidated samples and post SPS annealed samples were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The fracture toughness of alumina increased by more than 100% (9.19 MPa.Öm for coated alumina in comparison to about 3.98 MPa.Öm for uncoated alumina) for certain particle size-coating-sintering conditions. Results were analyzed in terms of crack bridging mechanisms.
Language
English (en)
Chair
Shankar Sastry
Committee Members
Shankar Sastry, Kathy Flores, Peng Bai
Included in
Ceramic Materials Commons, Other Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons
Comments
Permanent URL: https://doi.org/7936/c0bf-9w05