{"title":"The high-toughness mechanism of heterogeneous solid solution HfC-TaC-HfO2 composite ceramics","authors":"Z.Y. Tan , G.N. Xu , Y.B. Peng , S.Y. Wen","doi":"10.1016/j.coco.2024.102097","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Homogenisation and low-temperature sintering of multicomponent ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are crucial technologies for their applications. However, the potential of utilizing the heterogeneous solid solution between UHTCs as a means of toughening has been neglected. The current work proposes a novel inhomogeneous solid solution phase composed of isomorphic HfC and TaC, which is designed to induce additional fracture energy dissipation. This phase is achieved using an ingenious powder screening method combined with the introduction of HfO<sub>2</sub> sintering additive. The hardness and fracture toughness of the composite ceramics reached 14.9 ± 1.3 GPa and 6.5 ± 0.4 MPa m<sup>1/2</sup>, respectively. The toughening mechanism was studied using real two-dimensional structure stress simulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Uneven valence electron concentration results in the ductile to brittle transition of Hf<sub>1-x</sub>Ta<sub>x</sub>C. Crack deflection and bridging toughening mechanisms originate from the second phase stress of HfO<sub>2</sub> particles and the heterogeneous matrix. This discovery will provide a noteworthy research direction for the design of high toughness multicomponent UHTCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10533,"journal":{"name":"Composites Communications","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 102097"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5000,"publicationDate":"2024-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Composites Communications","FirstCategoryId":"88","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452213924002882","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MATERIALS SCIENCE, COMPOSITES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Homogenisation and low-temperature sintering of multicomponent ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are crucial technologies for their applications. However, the potential of utilizing the heterogeneous solid solution between UHTCs as a means of toughening has been neglected. The current work proposes a novel inhomogeneous solid solution phase composed of isomorphic HfC and TaC, which is designed to induce additional fracture energy dissipation. This phase is achieved using an ingenious powder screening method combined with the introduction of HfO2 sintering additive. The hardness and fracture toughness of the composite ceramics reached 14.9 ± 1.3 GPa and 6.5 ± 0.4 MPa m1/2, respectively. The toughening mechanism was studied using real two-dimensional structure stress simulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Uneven valence electron concentration results in the ductile to brittle transition of Hf1-xTaxC. Crack deflection and bridging toughening mechanisms originate from the second phase stress of HfO2 particles and the heterogeneous matrix. This discovery will provide a noteworthy research direction for the design of high toughness multicomponent UHTCs.
期刊介绍:
Composites Communications (Compos. Commun.) is a peer-reviewed journal publishing short communications and letters on the latest advances in composites science and technology. With a rapid review and publication process, its goal is to disseminate new knowledge promptly within the composites community. The journal welcomes manuscripts presenting creative concepts and new findings in design, state-of-the-art approaches in processing, synthesis, characterization, and mechanics modeling. In addition to traditional fiber-/particulate-reinforced engineering composites, it encourages submissions on composites with exceptional physical, mechanical, and fracture properties, as well as those with unique functions and significant application potential. This includes biomimetic and bio-inspired composites for biomedical applications, functional nano-composites for thermal management and energy applications, and composites designed for extreme service environments.