Crack‐healing behavior of ZrO₂/SiC composite ceramics and strength properties of crack‐healing specimens

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the crack‐healing mechanism of ZrO₂/SiC composite ceramics which have a high crack‐healing ability at low temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of dispersed SiC and the environment on crack‐healing behaviour were investigated. The fatigue strength of crack‐healed specimens was also investigated.

Findings

The main conclusions are that for crack‐healing of ZrO₂ ceramics, it is necessary to have both a SiC composite and an oxidative environment; and when ZrO₂/SiC composite ceramics are heat‐treated in air, a phase transformation attributable to the SiC composite results in crack‐healing and improvement of fracture toughness and bending strength.

Originality/value

An appropriate heat treatment for ZrO₂/SiC composite caused not only crack‐healing but also the improvement of fracture toughness, and created a multiplier effect on crack‐healing, bending strength and fracture toughness.

Citation

Houjou, K. and Takahashi, K. (2012), "Crack‐healing behavior of ZrO₂/SiC composite ceramics and strength properties of crack‐healing specimens", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 41-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/17579861211209984