DOI number:10.1016/j.msea.2026.151296
Journal:Materials Science and Engineering: A
Abstract:Owing to their superior damage tolerance and thermal stability, continuous Al2O3 fiber-reinforced Al2O3 ceramic composites (Al2O3f/Al2O3 CFCCs) have been widely adopted as thermostructural components. To extend their utility beyond conventional load-bearing applications, unlocking their multifunctional potential has become increasingly important. In this study, Al2O3f/Al2O3 green bodies were fabricated via slurry impregnation of woven fabric, followed by pressureless sintering (PS) to achieve partial densification. Dense monolithic Al2O3 ceramic was also fabricated from the same Al2O3f/Al2O3 green bodies via fast hot pressing (FHP) and served as the reference sample for comparative evaluation. The PS-sintered CFCCs consist of well-preserved fabric embedded in a porous matrix and they exhibit a fracture toughness of up to 6.72 MPa·m1/2, while maintaining adequate flexural strength (206.7 MPa). Importantly, the influence of thermal processing on the microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of the Al2O3 fibers was evaluated. As-received Al2O3 fibers and those subjected to thermal treatment at ≤1200 °C retain a nanograined microstructure, which underpins their exceptional bendability and damage tolerance. In contrast, thermal treatment at 1300 °C triggers significant grain coarsening, leading to severe embrittlement. Furthermore, unlike electromagnetic wave (EMW)-transparent monolithic Al2O3 ceramics, the CFCCs exhibit high EMW reflectivity, attributable to impedance mismatch arising from microstructural discontinuities and surface topography-induced scattering. The concurrent realization of superior toughness and high EMW reflectivity establish these Al2O3f/Al2O3 CFCCs as compelling candidates for multifunctional applications.
Co-author:Mingxi Deng, Yongsheng Chang
First Author:Xinchen Liu
Correspondence Author:Le Fu*
Page Number:151296
Translation or Not:no
Links to published journals:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921509326015765?via%3Dihub