Comparative Analysis of the Properties of ZrO2–SiO2 and ZrO2–Al2O3–SiO2 Composition Fiber Composite Materials

Abstract

Strength, morphology, and phase composition are analyzed for a ceramic composite system based on fibers of tetragonal ZrO₂ and a matrix with different content of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃. It is shown that with an Al₂O₃ content from 0 to 20 wt.% there is formation of a precipitation-hardened structure and an increase in material ultimate strength in bending. The reduction in strength with a further increase in Al₂O₃ content is due to a deficiency in SiO₂ binder and inadequate Al₂O₃ and mullite particle sintering with each other. Features of the structure and phase composition are demonstrated for a composite based on ZrO₂ fibers with a different Al₂O₃:SiO₂ ratio in the matrix.