Effects of Y2O3 on thermal shock of Al2O3/TiCN composites

Thermal shock resistance of Al2O3-TiCN(30%)-Y2O3 (0.2%) composite was studied by hot pressing(HP) method at different temperatures. The study shows that thermal shock resistance of the material is determined by its microstructure and reinforced mechanism. According to SEM and calculation of thermal shock, the fractured surface of Al2O3-30% TiCN-0.2% Y2O3 Composite is undulate. The residual strength of Al2O3-30%TiCN-0.2%Y2O3 is higher than Al2O3-30%TiCN at 200 similar to 800 degrees C after thermal shock. Cracks initiation resistance (R')and cracks propagation resistance (R-nn) of Al2O3-30% TiCN - 0.2%Y2O3 composite increases 12% and 5% respectively compared with that of Al2O3-30% TiCN. It matches with experimental results. The addition of Y2O3 forms YAG that inhibits crystal growth, and increases fracture stress, fracture toughness, cracks initiation resistance and cracks propagation resistance. Therefore, thermal shock resistance increases. The fracture work of Al2O(3)-30% TiCN and Al2O3-30% TiCN-0.2% Y2O3 composites are 132 and 148 J center dot m(-2) respectively.