High strain rate characteristics of 3-3 metal-ceramic interpenetrating composites

▶ High strain rate performance of metal-ceramic interpenetrating composites produced using a pressureless infiltration technique was investigated. ▶ Despite the interpenetrating composites containing an interpenetrating, hard, brittle Al2O3 network, the samples exhibited plastic deformation after testing. ▶ The original spherical cells were deformed into ellipsoids. Good metal-ceramic interfacial bonding and metal bridging the cracks were observed. ▶ With a 3 mm thick Al2O3 front face, the sample significantly deflected the round and reduced the depth of penetration. ▶ The approach seems suitable for producing fully integrated layered structures in a single process and which demonstrate some ability to protect against ballistic impact.