Fabrication and characterization of SiC-ZTA ceramic composites by hot pressing

Al2O3/ZrO2/SiC ceramic composites with different SiC contens have been prepared by hot pressuring. The effect of SiC content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of composites have been studied. The results show that SiC has obvious grain refinement effect on ZTA ceramics and change the fracture mode of the matrix from intergranular fracture to transgranular fracture. Simultaneously, it has been found that the mechanical properties of the material are significantly enhanced in comparison with ZTA matrix. The highest strength is acquired at 10% SiC content, the flexural strength and toughness are obtained when the SiC content is 15 vol%, and the values are 18.86 GPa, 1262 MPa and 6.13 MPa m1/2, respectively. The mechanisms of hardening, strengthening and toughening have been discussed.