Crack‐healing behaviour of ZrO2/SiC composite ceramics
International Journal of Structural Integrity
ISSN: 1757-9864
Article publication date: 5 March 2010
Abstract
Purpose
Zirconia ceramics exhibit high strength and fracture toughness. The purpose of this paper is to research a possibility of crack healing in zirconia ceramics.
Design/methodology/approach
ZrO2/SiC composite ceramics are sintered and subjected to three‐point bending. A surface crack of 100 μm in diameter is formed on each specimen. The cracks are healed and the specimens are tested under bending.
Findings
The paper finds that ZrO2/SiC composite ceramic material had a high crack‐healing ability at a considerably low temperature. For example, a crack of 100 μm in diameter is healed even at 600°C.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides a low temperature healing and a new mechanism of crack healing.
Originality/value
The paper shows the healing temperature and the minimum time required to heal showed a good proportional relation on the Arrhenius plot at temperatures of 600‐800°C. Moreover, the crack healing is caused by SiO2 cristobalite produced during the healing.
Keywords
Citation
Houjou, K., Ando, K. and Takahashi, K. (2010), "Crack‐healing behaviour of ZrO2/SiC composite ceramics", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 73-84. https://doi.org/10.1108/17579861011023810
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited