On the parameters affecting the fracture modes in glass-ceramic materials

The influence of the composition, shape and mean size of the crystallites on the mechanical performance of glass-ceramic materials that contain solid wastes originating from petrochemical distillery and steel scrap recycling facilities has been investigated. It was found that the fracture modes depend on the composition and the shape of the separated crystallites. Additionally, it was found that the increase in their mean size reduces crack propagation, while the fracture mode shifts from transgranular to intergranular. The above shift in the mode of fracture is accompanied by a change in the type of the radial cracks, namely from primary radial in the former to secondary radial in the latter case. Taking into account that the fracture mode determines the strength and toughness, by manipulating the functional properties of glass-ceramic materials, their mechanical performance can be tailored according to the requirements of the potential applications. The results of the present study will be used to determine the composition and morphology of the glass-ceramic materials, in order to achieve the desired morphology that will result in the proper mechanical performance.