Improved Impact Fracture Resistance in Oxidation-Toughened Si3N4-20 Vol% ZrO2.

Abstract

Dr. F. F. Lange is using an oxidation technique to induce compressive stresses in the near-surface regions of Si3N4-ZrO2 specimens. Silicon nitride powder is first thoroughly mixed with about 20 vol% zirconium oxide and 4 vol% Al2O3 powders, then hot pressed to achieve a fully dense plate. The plate is then given a subsequent anneal at 700 C for 5 hr in air. The zirconium oxynitride within several grain diameters of the surfaces is oxidized to the monoclinic form with an accompanying increase in molar volume of about 4-5%. The expansion of the lattice in the surface regions gives rise to substantial compressive stresses on the surface (and significant tensile stresses in the interior).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA078833

Entities

People

  • D. A. Shockey
  • K. C. Dao

Organizations

  • SRI International

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Pressure
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Flexural Strength
  • Hardness
  • High Temperature
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Oxidation
  • Particle Size
  • Particles
  • Plastic Flow
  • Resistance
  • Stresses
  • Tensile Stress
  • Tungsten Carbides
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Metallurgy
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.