Preparation and mechanical properties of Al2O3/Al laminated ceramic matrix composites

Three series of Al2O3/Al laminated ceramic matrix composites, named SPA, SPV and HP, were fabricated by different methods. SPA and SPV were prepared using Al2O3 slices and Al slurry via screen printing and subsequent heat treatment in air or vacuum. HP samples were made by hot pressing the layered stack of Al foils and Al2O3 slices. SEM and XRD were applied to analyze the microstructure and the interlayer crystal phase. The bending strength, fracture toughness and fracture work of the samples made by the three methods were measured and compared. The results show that the composites have much better toughness and higher fracture work than the Al2O3 slice. Among the samples made by the three methods, the samples made by hot pressing have the optimum mechanical performance. The displacement-load curves and fracture mechanism were analyzed.