SiC whisker reinforced ZrO2 composites prepared by flash-sintering

SiC whisker-reinforced ZrO2 composite is prepared by flash sintering. The density of the composite obtained at the optimal conditions is close to the theoretical value. SEM observations reveal that the whiskers with well-preserved original morphology are uniformly distributed within the matrix and strongly bonded with ZrO2. The composite exhibits a fracture toughness value higher than SiC–ZrO2 (with 6 mol% Y2O3) made by conventional hot-pressing. These results clearly demonstrate that the flash-sintering can prepare SiCw/ZrO2 composites more effectively.