Papers by Keyword: Ceramic-Metal Composites

Abstract: The presented paper is a review of own work done on two systems of composites, Al₂O₃‑Ni and Al₂O₃-Fe. The previous own results of research into shape, size and distribution of the metal particles and spinel phase embedded in a ceramic matrix are referred to and new ones are presented. Metal particles as well as spinel can be distributed uniformly in a ceramic matrix or can form graded structures. Most often there are agglomerates of metal or spinel particles rather than separated particles embedded in ceramic grains. In composites the growing spinel forms a thick oval layer around a metal particle, however, separate spinel areas embedded in a ceramic matrix are noticed, too. Also, the characteristic “doughnut” shape of spinel is found. Since the metal and spinel phase influence the mechanical properties, the required properties of ceramic-metal composites can be tailored by changing the size, shape and distribution of the phases.

Abstract: The properties, performance, and reliability of a cermet material depend mostly on the intrinsic properties influenced by microstructure that evolves during processing and use. In this study, the effect of microstructure on reliability of multiphase materials in erosive media is analyzed with reference to WC-, TiC-, and Cr3C2 - based ceramic-metal composites. Microstructure of multiphase materials, fracture mechanisms, ability of energy dissipation, thermo-mechanical parameters and erosion resistance are examined. It has been shown that microstructural variables play a very important role in cermets performance. The energetic criterion of non-homogeneous materials selection has been presented.

Abstract: In order to estimate distribution of mechanical properties and fracture toughness in ceramic-metal functionally graded materials (FGMs), mechanical properties and fracture behavior have been investigated on non-graded ceramics-metal composites which correspond to each region of FGMs. The materials are fabricated by powder metallurgy using partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) and stainless steel (SUS 304). Vickers hardness, Young’s modulus and bending fracture strength were examined on smooth specimens. The Vickers hardness of the composites continuously decreases with an increase in a volume fraction of SUS 304 metal phase, while the Young’s modulus and fracture strength exhibit low values in the composites with balanced composition of each phase. This suggests that the interfacial strength between the ceramic and metal phases is very low. Fracture toughness tests are conducted by three-point-bending on rectangular specimens with a sharp edgenotch. In contrast with the Young’s modulus and fracture strength, the fracture toughness obtained for the composites increases with an increase in a volume fraction of SUS 304 metal phase. The fracture toughness of the composites is slightly lower than that obtained previously by stable crack growth in a PSZ-SUS 304 FGM. The difference in fracture toughness between the composites and FGM seems to be attributed to the residual stress created during fabrication of the FGM.

Abstract: Melt infiltration of preforms prepared by sequential centrifugal casting and by tape casting and lamination has been accomplished using a short-time infiltration process that significantly suppresses reaction product formation. For layered materials produced via infiltration of laminated ceramic tapes, of particular interest is the effect that a large change in microstructure has on infiltration, phase formation and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present paper is focused on ceramic–metal composites obtained via different technologies which leads to different microstructures in terms of size and distribution of metal phase. Composites analysed in paper were produced by the following methods:(a) infiltration of porous ceramics by metal, (b) consolidation under high pressure and (c) sintering of ceramic powder coated by metal. Their microstructures were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy methods. The three methods of composite fabrication employed in the present study result in specific spatial distribution and dispersion of metal phase. Presureless infiltration of porous ceramics by liquid metal is driven by capillary force and make it possible to produce microstructure with percolation of metal phase in ceramic matrix. The volume fraction of metal phase in this case depends on the size of pores. The size of pores influence also the kinetics and extent of infiltration. Ceramic preforms with small size of pore are not fully infiltrated. This method is useful for composite with size of metal phase in the range of micrometers. Hot pressing under high pressure produces microstructures of composites with metal phase grain size in the range from nano to micrometers. Moreover, it allows to achieve the nanometric size of ceramic grains. In the case of ceramic powders covered by metal, compression and hot pressing preserves nanometric size of metal. The grain growth of ceramic grains is suppressed.