Micro-fibres containing composites prepared by EPD

Presented article summarises preparation of fibre reinforced alumina and alumina laminates containing zirconia micro-fibres. Electrophoretic deposition was performed from concentrated isopropanolic suspensions stabilised by monochloracetic acid containing mixture of alumina powder and certain amount of zirconia micro-fibres. A method for in-situ monitoring the deposition of alumina and zirconia micro-fibres mass was applied to control deposition kinetics. Two different approaches for composite deposition were applied: (i) electrophoretic deposition of powders mixture and (ii) electrophoretic co-deposition from sonicated suspension containing stabilization aid. Applying the optimised procedure the alumina laminates reinforced with zirconia fibres were prepared. The co-deposition of ceramic micro-fibres and powder led to the preparation of microstructures having unique orthogonal fracture properties. Developed laminate with layers created by zirconia micro-fibres in the alumina matrix seems to be the most promising. This type of material exhibited potential of the crack trapping and deflection even when very small amount of micro-fibres was used.