Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of a Ti-Toughened Al2O3/SiC Composite Tool via Hot-Press Sintering
摘要
Al2O3-based ceramic composites are widely used as cutting tool materials owing to their high strength and oxidation resistance. However, their brittleness and low toughness can adversely affect their application and performance. Consequently, Al2O3/SiC composites with different Ti mass fractions (0, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 wt.%) were prepared via vacuum hot-press sintering to optimize their strength and toughness. Their structural and mechanical properties were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), relative density, hardness, flexural strength, fracture toughness, and fracture morphology. A high relative density for the Al2O3/SiC composites was achieved (> 95%) under 1400 °C and 40 MPa conditions, and the incorporation of Ti was confirmed by XRD. The hardness and flexural strength of the Ti-doped Al2O3/SiC composites increased with increasing Ti content, reaching a maximum at a Ti content of 5 wt.%, and then decreasing as the Ti content increased further. The maximum hardness and flexural strength values (at 5% Ti content) were 7.12 and 443 MPa, respectively. The findings of this study show that the addition of Ti generally improves the mechanical properties and provides toughening effects, providing data support for Ti-toughened Al2O3/SiC composite tools.