Simulation of the influence of the hot-pressing parameters and the mixture compositions in the ZrO2(m)–Al–C system on the hardness and the crack resistance of ceramics

Abstract

The work is aimed at studying the change in physical and mechanical properties (Vickers hardness HV15 and the fracture toughness K_1C) of ceramic tool material obtained by hot pressing of ZrO₂–Al–C mixtures depending on the concentration of the initial components and the parameters of the synthesis process (temperature, pressure, and isothermal holding time). On the basis of the data obtained in the course of the five-factor experiment, the relationships that allow establishing the optimum level of baseline are derived for the synthesis of the material with an optimal combination of properties that predetermine the use of the ceramic as the basis of the blade tool (as a cutting insert). In the considered intervals of factors, the derived empirical models can also be used as an interpolation formula for determining the value of the Vickers hardness (HV15) and the fracture toughness (K_1C) of materials synthesized in the ZrO₂–Al–C system.