Effects of particle size and matrix grain size and volume fraction of particles on the toughening of ceramic composite by thermal residual stress

Toughening by thermal residual stresses is one of the effective toughening mechanisms in ceramic composites when the coefficient of thermal expansion of the dispersed particles is larger than that of the matrix grains. Based on this toughening mechanism, exploration of factors affecting the toughening of ceramic composite by thermal residual stress is the focus of the investigation in the present study. Results are verified for the TiB2/SiC ceramic composite. It is shown that particle size and matrix grain size and volume fraction of particles and the particle size ratio is closely related to the toughening increment. It suggests that the investigation will lead practically to actual applications of the findings in the composition design and the microstructural design of the particulate reinforced ceramic composites.